Pharmacogenetics 1

Pharmacogenetic
Testing

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is the study of how your genes affect the way you respond to medications. It is a key part of personalised medicine, which aims to give each person the treatment that works best for them. Doctors can use this information to choose the right drug and the right dose for each patient. This helps avoid side effects and optimises treatment.

Australian Clinical Labs offers a comprehensive selection of pharmacogenetic testing for a broad list of medications that your doctor can easily order to help manage your treatment.

PGx Gene and Medication List arrow icon

  • How is pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing used?

    Doctors might order specific pharmacogenetic test(s) for relevant metabolised medication(s). If the test shows that a person’s genes affect how they respond to a specific medication, the doctor can adjust the dose or choose a different medicine.

    Pharmacogenetic testing performed in advance, before any issues arise, can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced suboptimal treatment responses or adverse reactions to medications in the past.

  • What PGx tests does Clinical Labs offer?

    Clinical Labs provides a wide range of pharmacogenetic tests to help doctors make more informed treatment decisions, especially in areas such as:

    • Mental health
    • Pain management
    • Heart conditions
    • Cancer treatment
    • And many more

    These tests look for small changes in your genes that affect how your body breaks down medications. If your body metabolises a drug too quickly or too slowly, it can lead to side effects or make the medication less effective.

  • Our Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel

    A commonly ordered pharmacogenetic test is the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel. This test looks at a group of genes (shown in the table below) that affect how your body metabolises many common medications.

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    CYP2D6 CYP2C9 CYP3A5SLCO1B1
    CYP2C19 CYP3A4 CYP1A2VKORC1
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    These genes influence how your body responds to medications such as:

    • Warfarin (a blood thinner)
    • Codeine and other painkillers
    • Clopidogrel (for heart conditions)
    • Tamoxifen (used in breast cancer)
    • Antidepressants
    • Statins (for cholesterol)
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (for acid reflux)
    • Anti-nausea medications

    With the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel, your doctor will receive a detailed report from Clinical Labs that includes your specific genetic makeup, how your body is likely to respond to certain medications, whether you're a fast, slow or normal drug metaboliser, any potential drug-gene interactions and guideline-based recommendations for safer or more appropriate medication use.

    Your doctor may also request that specific medications be included in your report.

  • Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel Test Details

    Request Form Instructions:
    • This test can be ordered by any medical practitioner. Your doctor must fill out our routine Clinical Labs testing request form, making sure to list the gene(s) or group of genes required and prescribed medications, if available.

    • Sample collection available at any Clinical Labs collection centre. Please visit our Locations page.

    Turnaround Time:
    • Results will be available 2-3 weeks after the sample receipt date.

    Specimen Details:
    • 2x EDTA blood samples

    Test Cost:
    • An out-of-pocket fee of $190 applies.

    • If any of the genes from the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel are ordered individually, an out-of-pocket fee of $140 applies per gene.