Pharmacogenetics (PGx) Panel
PGx testing is a type of genetic test that assesses a patient’s risk of an adverse response or likelihood to respond to a given drug, informing drug selection and dosing. Genetic mutations can cause either higher or lower rates of metabolism for known drugs.
Why is PGx Testing Important?
According to the FDA, each year, approximately 4.5 million Americans visit their doctors or the emergency room due to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) making it the 4th leading cause of death in the United States.
PGx Testing will be able to specify how quickly your body metabolizes, or filters, any given drug. Some patients are rapid metabolizers, flushing medication so quickly from their system that their body does not benefit from the medication. Poor metabolizers, on the other hand, can be harmed because the normal dose of medicine is too much for their body to metabolize. This test provides a physician vital information that is needed when prescribing medication. This means the right drug for the right patient at the right dose, ultimately optimizing the patients drug therapy outcome.
- Identify which drug may be most effective before treatment starts
- Assess your risk for adverse drug reactions before you take medication
- Reduce the risk of adverse events related to certain drugs
- Improve your safety and minimize costs
