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PHARMACOGENOMICS

Genetic Testing

Black DNA helix icon representing genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, and DNA analysis for personalized medicine. Genetic testing identify changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins, confirming or ruling out suspected genetic conditions or helping determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Genetic testing is voluntary. Testing has benefits as well as limitations and risks, hence the decision about whether to be tested is personal and complex. We offer this service as an opportunity to test and analyze clinically important genetic variations that may affect the patient’s outcomes with certain medications.

Scientist wearing blue gloves using a pipette to transfer liquid into test tubes in a laboratory, symbolizing genetic testing and medical research.

Informed Treatment

Finding the right medication for your psychiatric condition could be achieved with the information your DNA provides as your genetic variants can impact how you metabolize medications. The results obtained from a genetic test can show which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on the patient’s genetic makeup. Genetic testing has been proven to be clinically valid and useful during decision making, demonstrating improvement in remission rates as high as 50% versus treatment without it.

GENES

DNA sequences offer information about mutations in genes that can cause or increase the risk of a genetic disorder.

CHROMOSOME
Chromosomes carry long pieces of DNA that are useful for testing if there are large genetic changes.
PROTEINS
Proteins play a critical role in cell development and in the maintenance and expression of genetic information.
How does it works?
The test is administered by our healthcare providers. Testing usually follows these steps:
STEP
1
A DNA sample is collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek.
STEP
2
The sample is sent to our lab for analysis.
STEP
3
Your provider typically gets test results within 3 days.
STEP
4
The tests are reviewed with you on your next visit.

Reasons For Genetic Testing

After learning more about genetic testing, you might decide genetic testing is not relevant to you or will not change your medical care. It is possible to that you fnd the test too expensive or that the results may make you worried or anxious.

The Report

The lab sends us a report showing an analysis of your DNA. It identifies relevant genetic variants that are informative for medication efficacy, safety, and dosing and it helps the clinician avoid multiple medication trials. Information about which medications may require dose adjustments, be less likely to work, or have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetic information is included. The report classifies over 60 mental health medications into four categories:

Green
Use as Directed
Yellow
Moderate Gene-Drug Interaction
Red
Significant Gene-Drug Interaction
Gray
No Proven Genetic Markers

Many commercial and government insurance plans reimburse for all or part of the cost of the test. For patients with commercial insurance, there is also an opportunity to apply for the Financial Assistance Program. More information can be found here.

Availability
Mon-Fri from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost
$300 Self-Pay (standard lab price)
Length
About 3 days
Information
www.genesight.com/product
GeneSight Registered Provider badge, indicating certification for pharmacogenomic testing to guide personalized medication selection.
A person’s unique DNA impacts her or his response to medications.
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Common Lab Tests Questions

The process is a simple cheek swab that will be placed in a paper envelope. This drying process ensures the samples remain stable by preventing microbial growth and breakdown of DNA.

The most important step you can take is to talk to your doctor. If you think genetic testing could be helpful for you or someone you care for,

PGx accounts for drug-gene interactions to improve drug safety, predict responders vs non-responders, and identify those at risk of developing serious or life-threatening adverse drug events with certain medications.

Prescription drug use to treat mental health conditions is increasing during COVID-19.1 As of mid-July 2020, 53% of adults in the U.S. reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted.2 Mental health spending rose to $225 billion in 2019—an increase of 52% in the past decade3—a number likely to increase. Approximately 60 FDA-approved medications used to treat mental health concerns are impacted by genetics.

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  • Use wired Ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. If you experience a lag or interference while using Wifi, we recommend moving closer to your router. However, wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
  • Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. Simply search for: Internet speed test. Click the blue button that says Run Speed Test. If it is under 10mbps and you’re using Wi-Fi, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.
  • Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files. If you are unable to connect, please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can help you troubleshoot.