Using genetic information to improve the accuracy of health risk assessments

Leveraging common genetic variation to reduce misclassification of non-diseased individuals and unnecessary health care utilization attributable to surrogate biomarkers

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10675539

This study is looking to improve how doctors use genetic information to better understand health markers, helping to avoid mistakenly labeling healthy people as sick, which means fewer unnecessary tests and treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10675539 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance healthcare delivery by integrating genetic data to better interpret surrogate biomarkers, which are used to assess disease risk. By identifying common genetic variations that can lead to misclassification of healthy individuals as having diseases, the study seeks to reduce unnecessary medical evaluations and interventions. The approach involves analyzing electronic health records linked with genetic data from large biobanks to develop a correction factor for biomarker measurements. This could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have undergone extensive clinical evaluations based on surrogate biomarkers but are otherwise healthy.

Not a fit: Patients with known diseases or those who do not have genetic variations affecting biomarker levels may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate health assessments, reducing unnecessary medical procedures for patients incorrectly classified as having diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic data to refine health risk assessments, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.