The Process of Getting a PGX Test

PGx testing is becoming more common in clinical practice, and many people are interested in getting tested. This post will provide a detailed overview of the process of getting a PGx test, including what to expect before, during, and after the test.

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Step 1: Choosing a PGx Test Provider

The first step in getting a PGx test is to choose a provider. There are many companies that offer PGx testing, and it is important to choose a reputable provider. Look for a company that uses FDA-approved tests, has a clear privacy policy, and provides genetic counseling before and after testing. You can also ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.

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Step 2: Ordering the Test

Once you have chosen a PGx test provider, you will need to order the test. You may also be asked to provide information about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. You will need to pay for the test upfront, and the cost can vary depending on the provider.

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Step 3: Collecting the Sample

After you have ordered the test, you will receive a sample collection kit in the mail. This kit will typically include a swab or vial for collecting a sample of your saliva or blood. The instructions for collecting the sample will vary depending on the provider, but you will usually need to follow some basic steps, such as rinsing your mouth with water before collecting the saliva sample or having your blood drawn by a healthcare provider.

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Step 4: Sending the Sample to the Lab

Once you have collected the sample, you will need to send it back to the provider's lab. The provider will typically provide a prepaid envelope or label for shipping the sample. It is important to follow the provider's instructions carefully to ensure that the sample arrives at the lab in good condition.

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Step 5: Waiting for Results

Once the lab receives your sample, it will be analyzed for genetic variations that affect drug response. This process can take several weeks, depending on the provider. You will receive your results either by email or through a secure online portal. It is important to remember that the results of a PGx test are not a diagnosis and should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a healthcare provider.

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Step 6: Interpreting the Results

After you receive your results, you may need help interpreting them. Some providers offer genetic counseling to help you understand your results and what they mean for your health. You can also ask your healthcare provider for guidance. It is important to remember that PGx testing is still a relatively new field, and there may be some uncertainty about how to interpret the results.

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Step 7: Using the Results to Inform Treatment

The final step in the PGx testing process is to use the results to inform treatment decisions. Your healthcare provider can use the information from the test to determine which medications are likely to be most effective for you and which ones to avoid. However, it is important to remember that PGx testing is just one tool that healthcare providers can use to inform treatment decisions. Other factors, such as your medical history, current symptoms, and other medications you are taking, also need to be considered.

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In conclusion, getting a PGx test can be a useful way to identify genetic variations that affect drug response. However, it is important to choose a reputable provider, follow the instructions for collecting and sending the sample, and work with a healthcare provider to interpret the results and inform treatment

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References

1. Haga, S. B., & Mills, R. (2019). Clinical applications of pharmacogenetics. Trends in molecular medicine, 25(8), 715-724.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/science-and-research-drugs/table-pharmacogenomic-biomarkers-drug-labeling
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Genetics Home Reference: Pharmacogenomics. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/genomicresearch/pharmacogenomics
4. Swen, J. J., Nijenhuis, M., de Boer, A., Grandia, L., Maitland-van der Zee, A. H., Mulder, H., ... & Guchelaar, H. J. (2011). Pharmacogenetics: from bench to byte—an update of guidelines. Clinical pharmacology & therapeutics, 89(5), 662-673.
5. Pirmohamed, M., Burnside, G., Eriksson, N., Jorgensen, A. L., Toh, C. H., Nicholson, T., ... & Wadelius, M. (2013). A randomized trial of genotype-guided dosing of warfarin. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(24), 2294-2303.