Personalised medication insights with a simple cheek swab

Our Medication Response DNA Test (Pharmacogenomic PGx Test) helps take the guesswork out of prescribing by analysing how your genes affect the way your body processes medications.

Using a quick and painless cheek swab, this test looks at genetic variations that influence how medications are absorbed, metabolised, and removed from the body. The results provide useful insights that can help clinicians choose the most appropriate medication and starting dose for you.

What is Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic differences affect a person’s response to medications.

Everyone processes medicines slightly differently. Some people break down medications quickly, while others process them more slowly. These differences are often influenced by variations in certain genes.

Pharmacogenomic testing analyses these genetic markers and produces a medication response report showing how your body may respond to certain medicines.

This information helps clinicians make more informed decisions when prescribing medication.

Importantly, this test does not diagnose medical conditions. Instead, it helps support better medication choices.

Why This Test Can Be Helpful

Medication response is influenced by several biological processes, including how drugs are:

• Absorbed into the bloodstream
• Distributed around the body
• Metabolised (processed) by the liver
• Excreted from the body

Genetic differences can influence each of these stages, which may affect how well a medication works or whether side effects occur.

Pharmacogenomic testing can help by:

• Reducing trial-and-error prescribing
• Helping identify more suitable medications sooner
• Supporting safer starting dose decisions
• Reducing the likelihood of side effects
• Providing clinicians with additional information to guide treatment

Who Might Benefit From PGx Testing?

This test may be helpful for people who:

• Are starting medication and want a more personalised treatment approach
• Have experienced side effects from medication
• Have tried several medications without good results
• Want to understand how their body processes certain medications

It is commonly used when prescribing treatments for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

How the Test Works

The PGx test is simple and non-invasive.

Step 1 – Book your test

Book your Medication Response DNA Test through Ready Health.

Step 2 – Cheek swab sample

A quick cheek swab is used to collect a small DNA sample.

Step 3 – Laboratory analysis

Your sample is analysed in a specialist laboratory using advanced pharmacogenomic testing technology.

Step 4 – Results and clinical review

Results are usually available within approximately 14 days, producing a detailed report showing how your genes may influence medication response.

Your clinician can review these results with you and discuss suitable medication options if appropriate.

Because your genetic profile does not change, this test usually only needs to be done once in your lifetime.

What Your Results May Show

Your pharmacogenomic report may help your clinician understand whether certain medications may be more suitable for you.

The report may suggest:

• Taking a medication as normally prescribed
• Lower starting doses for certain medications
• Higher starting doses where appropriate
• Considering alternative medications

This information helps clinicians tailor treatment decisions more safely and effectively.

Privacy and Genetic Data

Your genetic information is handled with strict confidentiality.

• Stored securely and confidentially
• Shared only with you and your clinician
• Fully compliant with GDPR data protection regulations

Your data is protected and only used for the purpose of providing your medication response report.

Book Your Medication Response DNA Test

If you are considering medication for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, pharmacogenomic testing may help support a more personalised approach to treatment.

You can book your test directly through Ready Health.

Appointment availability can be found on our booking page.