Pharmacogenetic Testing
A one-time cheek swab that shows how your genes affect the way your body processes many common medications.
What is pharmacogenetic testing?
Your genes help determine how quickly your liver enzymes break down many medications. Some people clear a medicine too fast for it to work well, while others clear it so slowly that side effects build up.
Pharmacogenetic testing looks at these genes so your medications can be chosen and dosed with that in mind.1,2
Processes slowly
Normal doses of some medicines may build up and cause side effects, or a medicine that needs activation may not work.
Processes as expected
Standard doses are likely to work as intended.
Processes quickly
Some medicines may not last long enough to work, while others may be activated too quickly.
How it works
-
Quick swab
We gently rub a swab inside your cheek. It takes less than a minute and doesn’t hurt.
-
Lab analysis
Your sample is analyzed by our partner laboratory in Little Rock.
-
Personalized report
The report shows how your genes are likely to affect many common medicines.
-
Review together
Your clinician reviews the results with you and uses them in your treatment plan.
- One-time testYour genes don’t change, so results stay useful for life.
- Share with your doctorsResults can help your other clinicians and pharmacist, too.
- Especially helpfulIf past medicines haven’t worked or caused side effects.
Medications the test can inform
Including some pain relievers that depend on liver enzymes to work3
Many antidepressants and related medicines used for nerve pain2
Including some anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and heart medicines2
Pharmacogenetic results are one piece of the picture. Your other health conditions, medications, kidney and liver function, and goals all matter too.1
Common questions
Will this tell me which medicine will work best?
Not exactly. It shows how your body is likely to process certain medicines, which helps avoid ones more likely to cause problems or not work. It doesn’t guarantee how well a medicine will relieve your pain.
Should I stop a medicine based on my results?
No. Never stop or change a medication on your own. Your clinician will review your results and decide whether any changes make sense.
Does this test for disease risk?
No. This test looks only at genes that affect how medicines are processed.
Will insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by plan and by the medicines you take or may need. Our staff can help check your benefits before testing.
Ask us about pharmacogenetic testing
Our clinicians can help you decide whether testing makes sense, especially if past medications haven’t worked or caused side effects.
New pain management patients need a referral. Your provider can fax it to 870-706-2428.
Safety and privacy
The cheek swab has no physical risks. Results are interpreted along with your full medical history. Genetic information is protected health information and is handled according to federal privacy law.
Sources
- Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC). Guidelines. cpicpgx.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations. fda.gov
- Crews KR, et al. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guideline for CYP2D6, OPRM1, and COMT genotypes and select opioid therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021;110(4):888-896. doi:10.1002/cpt.2149