Mitochondrial Testing, Compared

How does mescreen™ compare to other tests?

Your cells run on the electron transport chain — four protein complexes and 100+ components that turn food and oxygen into energy. Most tests check a handful of genes or enzymes. mescreen™ measures the actual functional output of that system, in real time, from a simple blood sample.

The complete comparison

mescreen™ vs. the methods clinicians and consumers use today.

	mescreen™	Mitome / MitoSwab	Genetic Testing	Muscle Biopsy
Simple at-home sample collection	✓	✓	✓	✕
Stable sample type	✓	✕	✕	✕
No special handling required	✓	✕	✓	✕
Results indicate current mitochondrial performance	✓	✕	✕	✓
Results indicate dysfunctional mitochondria	✓	✕	✕	✓
Measures Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR)	✓	✕	✕	✓
Measures Extracellular Acidification (ECAR)	✓	✕	✕	✓
Measures ROS production	✓	✕	✕	✓
Low intra-person variability	✓	✕	✓	✓
Does not rely on partial measures	✓	✕	✕	✓
Technology developed for NASA	✓	✕	✕	✕

Genetic/DNA tests (e.g. SelfDecode) and microbiome tests (e.g. Viome) report predisposition or microbial composition — not the real-time functional output of your mitochondria. They fall under the "Genetic Testing" category above.

Legacy enzyme tests vs. functional measurement

Tests like Mitome and MitoSwab focus on a limited subset of proteins. mescreen™ measures integrated function across all complexes.

The Mitome / MitoSwab approach

Assesses the biochemical integrity of ~4–5 protein targets out of the 100+ components in the electron transport chain.

✕Doesn't measure electron flowNo direct assessment of electron transport or oxidative phosphorylation efficiency.

!Sample variabilityBased on cheek-cell samples, which can vary due to rapid cellular turnover.

⏳Longer waitTypically 4–6 weeks for results, from a narrower functional dataset.

The mescreen™ advantage

Assesses integrated mitochondrial function across all complexes, using peripheral blood as a systemic biological sample.

✓Dynamic measurementEvaluates cellular energy metabolism through live measures like OCR and ECAR.

✓Systemic viewA dynamic assessment of electron transport chain function and cellular energy balance.

✓Faster turnaroundResults generally available within ~10 days of sample receipt.

A comprehensive view of performance

mescreen™ goes beyond basic enzyme assessment, capturing multiple dimensions of mitochondrial health.

Energy EfficiencyHow well your cells convert fuel to ATP

ROS GenerationOxidative stress your mitochondria produce

Cell ResilienceCapacity to handle metabolic demand

Network DynamicsHow your mitochondria adapt and balance load

4–6 weeks

Typical legacy enzyme test turnaround

~10 days

mescreen™ results from sample receipt

See what your mitochondria are actually doing

You can't fix what you can't see. Get the first-in-the-world mitochondrial function test, with a 1-on-1 telehealth consult included.

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