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Glossary of Terms
Definitions of key biomarkers, medical terms, and technologies used in continuous molecular intelligence and health monitoring research.
A
- Amyloid Beta
- A protein fragment produced in the brain that is a key biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease research. Accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the brain is one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Monitoring amyloid beta levels may contribute to earlier awareness of neurodegenerative changes.
- Assay Cartridge
- A consumable, multiplexed testing component designed to quantify multiple biomarkers from a single fluid sample. In the Prevena Health platform, the assay cartridge uses advanced immunoassay and molecular detection technologies to measure protein, nucleic acid, and metabolic analytes simultaneously.
B
- Biomarker
- A measurable biological indicator — such as a protein, nucleic acid, or metabolite — that can provide information about a physiological state, disease process, or response to an intervention. Biomarkers are central to Prevena Health's approach to continuous molecular surveillance.
C
- Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)
- Fragments of tumor-derived DNA that are released into the bloodstream as cancer cells die or divide. ctDNA is being investigated as a biomarker for cancer detection, monitoring, and recurrence. Prevena Health is exploring ctDNA as part of its multi-analyte approach to oncologic surveillance.
- Continuous Molecular Intelligence
- The ongoing, automated measurement and analysis of molecular biomarkers over time using wearable sensing technology and advanced assays. Unlike single-point laboratory testing, continuous molecular intelligence aims to reveal longitudinal trends and rate-of-change patterns in biomarker levels.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are associated with a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, infection, and autoimmune disorders. High-sensitivity CRP testing is used to assess low-grade systemic inflammation.
D
- D-Dimer
- A fibrin degradation product present in the blood after a blood clot dissolves. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate abnormal clotting activity and are associated with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
G
- Galectin-3
- A protein involved in cell growth, inflammation, and fibrosis. Elevated galectin-3 levels have been associated with cardiac fibrosis and heart failure progression. It is being investigated as a complementary cardiac biomarker alongside troponin and NT-proBNP.
- GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein)
- A structural protein found in glial cells of the central nervous system. Elevated GFAP levels in blood or interstitial fluid may indicate brain injury, neuroinflammation, or neurodegenerative processes. Prevena Health is investigating GFAP as part of its neurological biomarker panel.
H
- High-Sensitivity Troponin
- A cardiac protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged. High-sensitivity troponin assays can detect very low levels of this protein, making them valuable for identifying subtle cardiac injury. Continuous troponin monitoring may help surface early signs of cardiac stress.
I
- Interstitial Fluid
- The fluid that occupies the spaces between cells in body tissues. Interstitial fluid contains many of the same biomarkers found in blood and can be accessed through minimally invasive microneedle-based wearable sensors. It is a key sampling medium for Prevena Health's continuous monitoring approach.
L
- Longitudinal Monitoring
- The practice of measuring and tracking health-related data points — such as molecular biomarkers — repeatedly over an extended period. Longitudinal monitoring can reveal trends, trajectories, and rate-of-change patterns that single-point measurements may miss.
M
- Molecular Surveillance
- The systematic, ongoing observation of molecular-level biological signals to detect changes that may indicate emerging disease or shifting health status. Prevena Health uses the term to describe its platform's approach to continuous biomarker monitoring across multiple disease areas.
N
- Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL)
- A structural protein found in neurons that is released into the bloodstream following neuronal damage. Elevated NfL levels are associated with a range of neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. It is being investigated as a sensitive marker of neuroaxonal injury.
- NT-proBNP
- N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, a protein released by heart cells in response to increased cardiac wall stress. Elevated NT-proBNP levels are associated with heart failure and other cardiac conditions. Continuous monitoring of NT-proBNP trends may support earlier detection of cardiac decompensation.
P
- Phosphorylated Tau (p-tau)
- A modified form of the tau protein associated with neurofibrillary tangles, which are a hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of p-tau in blood or cerebrospinal fluid may indicate ongoing neurodegeneration. Prevena Health is exploring p-tau as part of its Alzheimer's disease biomarker panel.
- Point-of-Care Testing
- Medical diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care, rather than in a centralized laboratory. Point-of-care testing enables faster results and more immediate clinical decision-making. Prevena Health's platform extends this concept by enabling continuous, wearable molecular testing.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
- A protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. PSA levels in the blood are commonly measured in prostate health screening. Longitudinal trends in PSA may provide additional context beyond single-point measurements for understanding prostate-related changes over time.
S
- S100B
- A calcium-binding protein predominantly found in glial cells of the central nervous system. Elevated S100B levels in blood may indicate brain injury, blood-brain barrier disruption, or neurological damage. It is being investigated as a complementary neurological biomarker alongside GFAP and UCH-L1.
U
- UCH-L1
- Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, an enzyme highly concentrated in neurons. Elevated UCH-L1 levels in blood are associated with traumatic brain injury and neuronal damage. Together with GFAP, UCH-L1 has been investigated as a biomarker for acute brain injury assessment.
Prevena Health's platform is in development and is not commercially available. It has not been cleared, approved, or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory body. It is not a diagnostic device. Content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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