Genetic Testing

what is genetic testing?

Genetic testing involves examining your DNA, the chemical database that carries instructions for your body's functions. Genetic testing can reveal changes (mutations) in your genes that may cause illness or disease. Although genetic testing can provide important information for diagnosing, treating and preventing illness, there are limitations. For example, if you're a healthy person, a positive result from genetic testing doesn't always mean you will develop a disease. On the other hand, in so

WHAT IS PHARMACOGENOMICS?

Pharmacogenomics, or pharmacogenetics, is the study of how your genes affect your body’s response to medications.

The word “pharmacogenomics” is combined from the words pharmacology and genomics:

• Pharmacology deals with the uses and effects of medications.

• Genomics deals with understanding genes and their roles.

Genes carry information that you inherit from your parents. Genes determine which characteristics you have, such as your eye color and blood type. Your genes influence how your body responds to medications.

Pharmacogenomic testing helps clinicians predict which medications will most likely produce desired responses in different patients.

If you have a particular health condition or disease, this type of genetic testing may help determine what medication and dosage will be most effective and beneficial for you.

FAQ

WHY SHOULD I HAVE A PHARMACOGENOMIC (PGX) TEST?

The purpose of a pharmacogenomic test is to determine if a medication is right for you. Pharmacogenomic testing determines how well a medication is metabolized by your body and therefore assesses the effectiveness of the medication. Poorly metabolized medications don't work well and also may be responsible for some adverse reactions.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH MY TEST RESULTS?

Your health care provider, after collaboration with our pharmacist, will discuss the results with you in detail. In an effort to optimize the effectiveness and safety of your medications and learn about what medications are right for your body, recommendations may include that you either keep taking a medication, change the dose of a medication, stop taking a medication, or take a different medication.

IS GENETIC TESTING COVERED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY?

Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and most commercial insurances cover genetic testing provided by Genomics.

RESOURCES, RESEARCH & CLINICAL TRIALS

About Genomics

About pharmacogenetics

Mayo Clinic and pharmacogenetics

Mayo study explores benefits of genetic testing for healthy people

Study supports genetic testing for pancreatic cancer

Clinical trials - Genetic Testing