GENETICS TESTING
Pharmacogenomics
Medication decisions are personal. Pharmacogenomic testing adds selected genetic information to the clinical conversation about certain medicines.
Scientific illustration. The text on this page provides the information independently of the graphic.
EXPLORE, DON’T JUST READ
Genes are one part of the prescribing picture.
Select an input to see how a clinician brings information together.
Interactive educational illustration. Confirm the actual panel, specimen and interpretation requirements with the laboratory.
THE CLINICAL QUESTION
What this testing
can help explore.
Pharmacogenomics examines inherited variants that may be relevant to medication metabolism or response. Pure Diagnostic’s service information includes medication areas such as cardiovascular care, neurology, pain and psychiatry. Contact the laboratory for the current genes, variants and medicines covered by its panels.
Purpose
To give the prescribing clinician additional information to consider alongside the diagnosis, other medicines and the patient’s history.
- Laboratory approach
- Analysis of selected inherited genetic variants
- Specimen planning
- Confirm the accepted specimen type and collection kit for the current panel before collection.
- Availability & reporting
- Contact the laboratory for current panel options, turnaround time and reporting arrangements.
Understanding the report
The significance of a finding depends on the specific gene–drug association. A result is one component of a prescribing decision, rather than a stand-alone choice of medicine.
Know the limits
Genetic testing does not account for every factor affecting treatment. Patients should not start, stop or change medicines without their prescriber’s guidance.
Before you order
- Does the panel cover the medicine being considered?
- Which gene–drug associations are reported?
- What are the panel’s limitations?
- Who will review the report with the patient?
Prepare your questions, then confirm the details through the laboratory’s ordering process.
Create an order worksheetCommon questions
Will testing tell me the best medicine for every condition?
No. The usefulness of a result depends on the specific medicine and genetic finding, together with other clinical information.
Can I use the result to change my dose?
Dose changes belong with the prescribing clinician. Bring the report to that conversation before making any changes.
Further reading
Independent educational information. These sources do not describe the specific scope of a Pure Diagnostic panel.
KEEP EXPLORING
Related testing areas.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Questions about pharmacogenomics?
Our team can help with current availability, specimen requirements and practice coordination.