About Pharmacogenomic Testing

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing analyses genetic variants that may influence how an individual responds to certain medications. PGx results are intended to support clinical decision-making and should be considered together with the individual’s medical history, clinical circumstances and other relevant factors. PGx testing does not replace clinical judgement or a comprehensive assessment of the individual patient.

PGx testing is not a guarantee of medication safety, effectiveness or tolerability.

Important Limitations

Medication coverage

PGx testing does not cover every medication used in clinical practice. If a medication is not included in the PGx report, this does not mean that the medication has been assessed as genetically suitable or unsuitable.

Allergies and adverse reactions

PGx testing cannot detect or predict medication allergies and does not identify all possible causes of adverse drug reactions.

An individual may experience an allergic reaction, side effect or other adverse reaction to a medication regardless of their PGx result. Known allergies, previous adverse reactions and other contraindications must always be considered separately when determining whether a medication is appropriate.

Genetics is only one factor

Genetic variation is one of several factors that can influence medication response. A PGx result indicating a normal, favourable or expected medication response does not guarantee that the medication will be effective, appropriate or free from side effects.

Similarly, a result indicating an altered medication response does not necessarily mean that a medication cannot be used. The clinical significance of a result depends on the individual circumstances and should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Other factors affecting medication response

Medication response can also be influenced by many non-genetic factors, including:

• age
• liver and kidney function
• existing medical conditions
• dosage and duration of treatment
• other medications and drug–drug interactions
• lifestyle and environmental factors 
• other individual clinical factors.

These factors are not identified by PGx testing and should be considered when interpreting and applying PGx results.

Genetic variants and test coverage

The test is designed to identify selected genetic variants that are relevant to PGx interpretation, including commonly occurring variants observed across Caucasian, African and Asian populations.

However, genetic variation is complex and differs between individuals and populations. Rare, less common or currently unknown genetic variants may not be detected by the test. As a result, the predicted phenotype or medication response may not always accurately reflect an individual’s complete genetic profile.

Contact Information

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