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There is always a chance that you have been misdiagnosed and therefore mis-medicated. Genetic testing along with a consultation will answer all unanswered questions….
How the Genetic Testing Process Works
Genetic testing is a simple, painless process that can provide valuable insight into how your body responds to certain medications. Here’s what to expect:
- Self-Swab at Home
You’ll receive a kit with everything you need. Simply use the provided swab to gently rub the inside of your cheek. This collects a small sample of cells—no needles or blood required! - Mail the Swab
Once you’ve collected your sample, place it back in the kit and use the prepaid envelope to mail it to the lab. It’s easy and secure. - Lab Analysis
The lab will analyze your DNA to look for specific genetic markers that may influence how your body metabolizes certain medications. This helps your healthcare provider understand what treatments may work best for you. - Doctor Reviews Results
When your results are ready, they’ll be sent directly to your doctor. You’ll then schedule a consultation to go over the findings together. - Personalized Medication Plan
During your consultation, your doctor will explain the results and, if appropriate, may adjust or prescribe medications based on your unique genetic profile. This can help improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Genetic testing, specifically pharmacogenomic testing, analyzes a person’s DNA to identify genetic variations that influence how their body processes medications. Specifically, this testing provides information about liver enzymes that are responsible for metabolizing many commonly prescribed drugs. Since these enzymes are encoded by an individual’s genetic makeup, variations in the genes can result in different metabolizer types: poor, intermediate, extensive (normal), rapid or ultra-rapid metabolizers. This helps with choices and dosages of specific medications to improve efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions. This personalized approach enhances safety and optimizes therapeutic outcomes.
By analyzing specific genetic markers, genetic testing can help doctors choose medications that are more likely to work for you and less likely to cause side effects. For example, if the test shows that your body metabolizes a certain drug very quickly, your doctor might adjust the dose or select a different medication that will be more effective for you.
This process can save time, energy, and heartache. Instead of trying one medication after another and waiting weeks to see if it helps, genetic testing can narrow down the options, getting you closer to relief faster. It’s not a perfect solution—other factors like your symptoms, history, and preferences still matter—but it’s an incredibly useful tool.