Pharmacogenomics uses a patient’s genetic makeup to predict how accurately a drug will work. Understanding the genetic makeup also allows for dosage adjustment and improved treatment safety. We can predict how well a drug might work for us and its side effects based on our genetic makeup, making it easier for healthcare providers. This approach of personalized medicines will uplift treatment outcomes while ensuring safer patients.

Accuracy of Pharmacogenetic genetic tests

Generally, pharmacogenetic genetic tests are considered to be accurate. Still, the accuracy of the test may vary based on different factors, such as the specificity level of the test applied, the quality level of the laboratory, or even the population under test.

1. Accuracy of Test: The accuracy of the pharmacogenetics tests varies from one test to another; some tests are more accurate than others.
2. Lab quality: The Quality of the laboratory carrying out the test. Laboratories accredited by COLA are said to be of high quality.
3. Population: The population being tested can also determine the accuracy of a test. Some genetic variations occur more frequently in some populations than others, so the outcome of a test may differ based on the population under test.
4. Interpretation: Interpreting the result is also critical, whether the genetic variations have a well-established relationship to the drug response or not. The healthcare provider should be up to date with the latest guidelines and the level of evidence behind the test ordered.
5. Validation: Only some of these pharmacogenetics tests have been validated in extensive clinical studies; Thus, researchers are still determining the clinical utility of a few tests.

What Genes Should Be Tested?

The types of genes tested may vary depending on the provider and the specific goals of the test. A comprehensive pharmacogenomics test, such as Rph Labs, focuses on genes known to code for enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Tests can identify many genetic markers that affect how you metabolize medications.
Even though some tests may focus on only one gene, understanding drug response often requires a much broader view. That is particularly true for medications that go through multiple biochemical processes in the body.

How Does Pharmacogenomics Testing Work?

Testing is easy. Most tests involve only obtaining saliva from a cheek swab. The sample is sent to an accredited laboratory to analyze the DNA. The lab scans the genetic markers against known variations associated with medication responses.
For example, when you ingest codeine, an ordinary pain medication, your liver metabolizes it to morphine, the ‘active ingredient’ that provides pain relief. Genetic variability can affect how quickly this conversion occurs. Some patients may metabolize codeine too rapidly, causing its bioavailability to be prone to toxicity. Other patients may metabolize codeine too slowly, making the pain relief useless.

Role of Heritage in Drug Response

Your ethnicity also influences how your body metabolizes medications. Certain genetic variations occur at higher frequencies within particular racial or ethnic groups; high-quality pharmacogenetic tests account for those differences. For instance, your metabolism of codeine depends on how many copies of the gene CYP2D6 you have, putting some people at greater risk.

Are Pharmacogenomics Tests Available for Every Medication?

Not all medications have established pharmacogenetic guidelines. Still, researchers estimate that the liver metabolizes more than 70% of prescription medications. This means that most medications can be interpreted through pharmacogenomics testing. Services like Rph Labs follow the guidelines published by authorities such as Health Canada and the FDA, making it available for doctors to make an informed decision about prescribing.

Getting the Most Out of Your Pharmacogenomics Testing Results

This makes pharmacogenomics testing an excellent resource for your healthcare provider. Discussing your test results with your doctor can allow identification of why certain medications have failed in the past. This raises confidence when trying new medicines because they will be more compatible with your genetic profile.

How to Talk to Your Physician about Testing

If you want to pursue pharmacogenetic testing, then take the time to discuss it with your healthcare provider. To help get ready for your appointment, write down:

• current prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and supplements
• Side effects you have experienced from any medications prescribed to you.
• All symptoms you are experiencing at this moment
• Other alternatives for medications you’d like to talk about

Conclusion

PGx tests are generally reliable. We at RPh LABS use CLIA-certified COLA-accredited labs to get them, which guarantees a very high level of accuracy for any genetic study. Knowing how your genes affect how you metabolize drugs can enable you and your healthcare provider to better work with drug therapies toward more accessible, safer treatments. Rph Labs provides detailed information to help individuals gain proper and relevant insights about their medications.