Genetic Drug Sensitivity Testing
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Genetic Drug Sensitivity Testing
I just learned about this test at my Mom's nursing home.
It takes the guess work out of prescribing medication so you don't
have to try all of them before finding the one that works.
Genetic Drug Sensitivity Testing
Why test my genes before prescribing a drug?
Just as gene variation controls hair or eye color, it also controls how the body reacts to certain drugs. Before prescribing one of those drugs, your physician may give you a genotype test to make sure the surge will be safe and effective for you. A genotype is an analysis of some aspect of your genetic make-up. Knowing your genotype will help you and your doctor choose the most effective path.
What is CYP450?
CytochromeP450, abbreviated CYP450, is a complex of genes that controls liver enzymes that digest certain drugs. Those drugs include Plavix, Coumadin, warfarin, beta blockers, common pain medication and antidepressants, among many others. Different genes within the CYP450 complex control the metabolization of different drugs. CYP2C19, for example, indicates Plavix sensitivity, and CYP2C is commonly analyzed before prescribing Coumadin/warfarin.
What will the test tell me?
Specifically, how quickly your body filters a given drug out of your bloodstream. A high metabolizer flushes drugs out of the body quickly, and might never realize any benefit from a taking a “normal” dose. A poor metabolizer is just the opposite, with a “normal” dose building to potentially dangerous levels. Understanding how quickly you will metabolize a drug helps your doctor calculate the safest, most effective dose for you.
What is required to perform this test?
You will need to provide a DNA sample using a buccal swab. A buccal swab is a sterile cotton swab made for DNA collection. You gather DNA simply and painlessly by rubbing the buccal swabs on the insides of your cheeks. The swabs are the sealed and shipped to the lab for testing.
What happens to my DNA once the test is complete?
Your privacy is assured. Samples and genetic information are stored securely in accord with HIPAA and other government regulations.
Is there a cost for this test?
This a routine clinical laboratory test covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. There may be a co-pay, depending the specifics of your policy.
How do I get my test results?
Results will be sent to you doctor 3-5 business days after your sample is collected.
It takes the guess work out of prescribing medication so you don't
have to try all of them before finding the one that works.
Genetic Drug Sensitivity Testing
Why test my genes before prescribing a drug?
Just as gene variation controls hair or eye color, it also controls how the body reacts to certain drugs. Before prescribing one of those drugs, your physician may give you a genotype test to make sure the surge will be safe and effective for you. A genotype is an analysis of some aspect of your genetic make-up. Knowing your genotype will help you and your doctor choose the most effective path.
What is CYP450?
CytochromeP450, abbreviated CYP450, is a complex of genes that controls liver enzymes that digest certain drugs. Those drugs include Plavix, Coumadin, warfarin, beta blockers, common pain medication and antidepressants, among many others. Different genes within the CYP450 complex control the metabolization of different drugs. CYP2C19, for example, indicates Plavix sensitivity, and CYP2C is commonly analyzed before prescribing Coumadin/warfarin.
What will the test tell me?
Specifically, how quickly your body filters a given drug out of your bloodstream. A high metabolizer flushes drugs out of the body quickly, and might never realize any benefit from a taking a “normal” dose. A poor metabolizer is just the opposite, with a “normal” dose building to potentially dangerous levels. Understanding how quickly you will metabolize a drug helps your doctor calculate the safest, most effective dose for you.
What is required to perform this test?
You will need to provide a DNA sample using a buccal swab. A buccal swab is a sterile cotton swab made for DNA collection. You gather DNA simply and painlessly by rubbing the buccal swabs on the insides of your cheeks. The swabs are the sealed and shipped to the lab for testing.
What happens to my DNA once the test is complete?
Your privacy is assured. Samples and genetic information are stored securely in accord with HIPAA and other government regulations.
Is there a cost for this test?
This a routine clinical laboratory test covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. There may be a co-pay, depending the specifics of your policy.
How do I get my test results?
Results will be sent to you doctor 3-5 business days after your sample is collected.
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