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Blood Tech: News and Plain-Language Guide
From Lp(a) to multi-cancer detection tests: what new blood tests measure, how they performed, and their FDA status.
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Get the newsletter →A single blood draw can now measure particles, proteins and fragments of DNA that older tests missed. We cover new blood testing technology with the evidence first: what a test measures, how well it performed, and its regulatory status.
Quick answer: New blood tests range from established measures like Lp(a), which a standard cholesterol panel does not include, to newer multi-cancer detection tests. As of October 2026, the American Cancer Society says no multi-cancer detection test is FDA approved, and an FDA advisory panel reviewed GRAIL's Galleri on September 23, 2026.
Lp(a): a blood test most panels skip
The American Heart Association says a standard lipid panel does not include Lp(a) and recommends every adult be tested at least once. See our Heart & Cholesterol guide.
Multi-cancer detection blood tests
These tests look for cancer signals, such as methylation patterns in cell-free DNA, in a blood sample. The American Cancer Society says they are not FDA approved yet, are available as lab-developed tests, and do not replace recommended screenings like mammograms or colonoscopy. An FDA advisory panel met on GRAIL's Galleri test on September 23, 2026; check the FDA for the current decision.
How to judge a new blood test
- What does it measure, and is that linked to an outcome you care about?
- Is it FDA cleared or approved, or a lab-developed test?
- How many false positives and false negatives were reported, and in whom?
- What happens after an abnormal result?
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Frequently asked questions
Does a regular cholesterol test include Lp(a)?
No. The American Heart Association and CDC say Lp(a) must be ordered as a separate blood test.
Is there an FDA-approved multi-cancer blood test?
As of the American Cancer Society page checked October 29, 2026, no multi-cancer detection test is FDA cleared or approved. An FDA advisory panel reviewed GRAIL's Galleri on September 23, 2026.
Can a blood test replace cancer screening?
The American Cancer Society says multi-cancer detection tests do not replace current recommended screening tests.
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Darwi is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified clinician about your health. Medical disclaimer.