Medication DNA testing questions
What is a medication DNA test?
A medication DNA test, also called a pharmacogenomic or PGx test, looks at genes that control how your body absorbs, breaks down and responds to medicines. Your report shows which medicines are likely to work as expected, which may need a different dose, and which are best avoided.
Which of the six tests should I choose?
If your medicines are all in one area, choose that focused test at £249. If you take medicines in two or more areas, or want one report that covers everything for life, the Full PGx Gene Test at £299 is better value: it covers all five focused areas and more for £50 extra.
How much does medication DNA testing cost?
The Full PGx Gene Test is £299. Each focused test (mental health and ADHD, cardiovascular, pain, neurology or gastro) is £249. Both are one-off payments that include your home swab kit, prepaid return envelope, laboratory analysis and personalised report.
How long do results take?
Results are usually ready within 14 days of the laboratory receiving your sample. Your report is sent securely and is written so you can share it with any prescriber.
Is the swab painful?
No. You rub a soft swab on the inside of your cheek for under a minute. There are no needles, no blood and no clinic visit, and full instructions come in the kit.
Will I ever need to repeat the test?
No. Your genes do not change, so one test gives you a report you can use every time a new medicine is considered, now or in 20 years.
Can I change or stop my medication based on the report?
No. Never change or stop a medicine without speaking to your prescriber first. Genes are one factor among many, including age, weight, kidney and liver function, and other medicines you take. Your prescriber makes the final decision.
Does the test diagnose any condition?
No. The test does not diagnose any medical condition or predict your risk of disease. It only looks at genes that affect how you respond to the medicines covered.
Which medicines are covered?
Examples include citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, amitriptyline, venlafaxine, atomoxetine, aripiprazole and quetiapine in the mental health test; clopidogrel, warfarin, metoprolol, propranolol, flecainide and common statins in the cardiovascular test; and opioids, NSAIDs, anti-epileptics and proton pump inhibitors across the pain, neurology and gastro tests. The Full PGx Gene Test reports on over 115 medicines.
Can I share the report with my GP or NHS prescriber?
Yes. The report uses standard clinical terms and international prescribing guidelines, so your GP, psychiatrist, specialist or pharmacist can read it alongside your current treatment.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can order directly and the kit is posted to your home anywhere in the UK. If you would like a clinician to go through your report with you, you can book an appointment at our Standish clinic.
Can I get pharmacogenomic testing on the NHS?
PGx testing is not yet part of routine NHS prescribing for most people, which is why it is usually done privately. Your private report can still be shared with your NHS team.
How is my genetic data protected?
Your sample is analysed in a UK-accredited laboratory and your results are stored securely in line with UK GDPR. They are used only to produce your medication report and are shared only with you and the clinicians you choose.