Frequently Asked Questions

A procedure whereby the laboratory tests specific genes responsible for metabolizing prescription drugs, in an effort to determine which drugs are suitable (as well as which drugs may not be appropriate) for an individual patient.

-Shows how your genetics impact response to medications.

-Can help improve the effectiveness of the medications you take.

-Reduce negative side effects and prevent serious drug reactions.

-Avoid buying and using drugs that won’t work for you.

-Help eliminate trial and error period.

Some people inherit mutations in one or more of the genes that produce drug metabolizing enzymes. Often, these mutations lead to the production of mutant forms of the associated drug-metabolizing enzyme. Sometimes, DNA mutations cause enzymes to have reduced activity, meaning they do an insufficient job of metabolizing their drug targets. A patient with a defect of this type may be advised not to take drugs that require the activity of the enzyme in question, and to instead seek alternatives.

Some gene mutations can lead to an entirely nonfunctioning enzyme – one incapable of acting on its target drugs. Patients with these mutations may be warned to stay away from

Finally, sometimes a mutation leads to a increased activity of an enzyme. While this may sound like a good thing, sometimes having too much enzymatic activity is actually bad with certain drugs.

When a person swallows a drug, his or her body alters the compound in order to either activate it (in cases where drugs are ingested as inactive compounds, known as “pro-drugs”), or to deactivate it once the drug has done its job (and to thereby prepare it for excretion from the body). Modifications of these drugs are handled by enzymes that are produced by specific genes. Collectively, the former are referred to as “drug metabolizing enzymes.” There are numerous drug metabolizing genes – and corresponding enzymes – in the body.

If you choose to be tested, you’ll be asked to give a buccal or cheek swab which is sent to the lab where your DNA is examined to determine your body’s response to medications.

Results from your Pharmacogenomics testing will specifically provide information of how quickly your body metabolizes or filters a given drug. Some people are rapid metabolizers. They flush drugs quickly from their system and may not realize any befit from taking a “normal” or “one size fits all” dose. A person who is a poor metabolizer is just the opposite in a person who is a poor metabloizer a “normal” dose of medication can build up to potentially dangerous levels.

Understanding how you metabolize the medications that you prescribed allows you and your doctor to customized your treatment and determine the safest most effective dose for you.

Most insurance plans cover pharmacogenomics testing. There may be a co-pay or unmet deductible depending on your individual policy.

The results of your test will be communicated by one of the lab’s genetic specialists.

Once your insurer has processed your claim, you will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from the insurer informing you of the amount it will pay for your laboratory services. The EOB is not a bill. An EOB shows what amount insurance paid and what amount is patient responsibility. Patient responsibility balances may include your deductible, copayment, or other costs outlined in your terms of coverage. Please contact your insurance company for questions about your EOB.

You should have received an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company that explains in detail the services as either paid or denied. If you need further assistance determining the reason(s) why your insurance company did not pay for your services, please contact your insurance carrier directly for information about its coverage policies.