Many factors can influence how medications work. These include age, concurrent medication use, diet, and medical conditions.
Test code(s) 36943
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing is a tool used to aid in selecting appropriate medication and dosing options. It provides information on certain genetic changes or variations that affect how patients metabolize, absorb, or respond to particular medications. The results of PGx testing can help identify patients who are more likely to experience adverse events from, or respond suboptimally to, a particular medication at standard dosages.
The Quest Pharmacogenomics Panel detects changes in multiple genes that are involved in the metabolism of a large number of commercially available medications.
The results will provide information about genetic variations that may affect how patients metabolize and, in some cases, respond to certain medications (gene-drug result). Results may be reported as Extensive Metabolizer (EM), Intermediate Metabolizer (IM), Poor Metabolizer (PM), or, in some cases, Ultrarapid Metabolizer (UM). For most gene-drug results, an EM result indicates that the patient is likely to process the drug “normally.” Patients with IM or PM results may experience reduced effectiveness or unwanted side-effects from some medications, since the body processes the drug more slowly than normal. On the other hand, patients with UM results may process a medication more quickly; this can also affect the effectiveness and recommended dosage of the drug.
The Quest Pharmacogenomics Panel currently includes information on the genes listed below. In addition to those listed, additional genes may be added as needed. For a complete, updated list of genes on the panel, please contact 866.436.3463 (866.GENE.INFO).
This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. A clinician’s test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on his/her education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.
Document FAQS.206 Version: 1
Version 1: Effective 08/21/2019 to present
Version 0: Effective 01/30/2019 to 08/21/2019
Document FAQS.206 Version: 1
Version 1: Effective 08/21/2019 to present
Version 0: Effective 01/30/2019 to 08/21/2019
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