Pharmacogenetic Testing

Pharmacogenetic testing is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a person’s genetic makeup.

Pharmacogenetics testing in a pharmacogenetic laboratory involves genotyping to detect relevant genetic variants that can influence an individual’s response to drugs. This field of genetic testing assesses the genes responsible for the way a body handles and responds to medications. A common application of pharmacogenetics is related to drug metabolic pathways, which are the processes by which a body breaks down or metabolizes drugs. Mutations in these pathways can affect an individual’s response to medication. For instance, mutations in the genes of these pathways can cause a patient to be unable to break down a drug or to break down a drug too quickly or extensively; these mutations can make a drug ineffective or lead to an adverse drug reaction. Pharmacogenetic testing is recommended to aid clinicians in determining the proper medication at the right dose to avoid adverse drug reactions and interactions. The test results become part of a patient’s electronic health record and can be used for future medication prescribing. The testing process typically involves collecting a sample of saliva, blood, or cells swabbed from your cheek. The sample is then sent to a lab for tests on genes that determine how some medications will affect the body.

In summary, pharmacogenetics testing in a laboratory setting plays a crucial role in personalized medicine, helping healthcare providers make more informed decisions about drug selection and dosage based on an individual’s unique genetic profile.