Genetic Testing Hoffman Estates
What is Genetic Testing?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that are tailored to a person’s genetic makeup. Many drugs that are currently available are prescribed as a one dose suits all patients. In reality, drugs do not work the same way for everyone. Often clinicians can have difficulty in predicting who will benefit from a medication, who will not respond at all, and who will experience negative side effects (called adverse drug reactions). Genetic testing can help to determine appropriate fit for prescribed medications.
Traditional vs Gene-tested?
Researchers are learning how inherited differences in genes affect the body’s response to medications. These genetic differences are used to predict whether a given medication will be effective for a particular person and to prevent adverse drug reactions.
The decision about which drug to prescribe may also be influenced by other drugs that the patient is taking. Genetics can not only provide precision guidance on the best therapy for a given patient but can also inform on how to best avoid drug-drug interactions.
Step 1: Simple Cheek Swab
Step 2: Send to Genesight Labs
Step 3: Review results to target treatment
Genetic testing is a simple procedure that is done in the office with a simple cheek swab. The results come back within a week or two. A follow-up genetic counseling visit will include a detailed explanation of your test results and medication recommendations based on those results.
In psychiatry, there are advances in the field daily. Tailoring a custom treatment plan based on genetic lab test results is providing cutting edge and efficient pharmacology treatment better than ever before.
Note: Some insurance companies are covering part of Genetic testing.
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