About Pharmacogenomic Testing

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

PGx testing is not guarantee that a medication will be safe, effective or well tolerated.

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 it has been assessed as genetically suitable or unsuitable.

Allergies and adverse reactions

PGx testing can identify certain genetic variants associated with an increased risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions to some antiepileptic medications. However, it cannot detect or predict all medication allergies, and it does not identify every possible cause of an adverse drug reaction.

A person 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 should always be considered separately when deciding whether a medication is appropriate.

Genetics is only one factor

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

Likewise, a result indicating an altered response does not necessarily mean a medication cannot be used. The clinical significance of any result depends on the individual’s 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
• dose and duration of treatment
• other medications and drug–drug interactions
• lifestyle and environmental factors 
• other individual clinical factors.

PGx testing does not assess these factors, so they should be considered when interpreting and applying PGx results.

Genetic variants and test coverage

The test is designed to identify selected genetic variants relevant to PGx interpretation, including commonly occurring variants observed in populations of European, African and Asian ancestry.

However, genetic variation is complex and differs between individuals and populations. The test analyses only selected variants, so rare, less common or currently unknown variants are not tested for and will not be reported. As a result, a predicted phenotype may not always match a person’s actual medication response.

Blood transfusions and transplants

If you have received a blood transfusion or a transplant from a donor, your sample may contain some of the donor’s DNA. This means your results may not accurately reflect your own genetics.

• Blood transfusion: Donor DNA usually clears from the body within about 6 weeks of a transfusion.
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a donor: Testing a sample collected before your transplant is recommended, where one is available.
• Liver transplant: The liver plays a key role in processing many medications. After a liver transplant, your results may not accurately reflect how your body processes these medications.

If any of these apply to you, please let your healthcare professional know before testing.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, or wish to submit a complaint, please email myDNA Privacy Officer at support@mydna.life.