Frequently Asked Questions
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing analyzes your unique genetic makeup to determine how you respond to different medications. This information can guide healthcare providers to personalize treatments, reduce side effects, and improve effectiveness by identifying the right medications and dosages tailored to your genetic profile.
Pharmacogenomics is for anyone taking or considering prescription medications. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with certain medical conditions or those who have experienced adverse drug reactions. By understanding your genetic profile, healthcare providers can tailor medication choices and dosages to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.
Pharmacogenomics analyzes specific genes related to drug metabolism, efficacy, and potential side effects. Genetic testing is usually done through a simple cheek swab. The results provide information on how your body processes medications, allowing healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions about prescribing drugs that are more likely to work well for you.
Pharmacogenomics can enhance your healthcare by:
- Optimizing Medication Efficacy: Tailoring prescriptions based on your genetic makeup increases the likelihood that medications will work effectively for you.
- Minimizing Side Effects: Understanding how your body processes drugs helps identify medications with fewer side effects, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Avoiding Trial-and-Error: Pharmacogenomics can help healthcare providers choose the right medication and dosage from the beginning, avoiding a potentially lengthy and frustrating trial-and-error process.
You provide a biological sample from a cheek swab to the testing facility, and they analyze your genetic material. The results are then shared with our board certified pharamacist who will interpret the results in the context of your medical history to make personalized medication recommendations.
Our PGx test analyzes common medications across various drug categories, including but not limited to blood thinners, statins, pain relievers, antibiotics, chemotherapies, ADHD treatments, antidepressants, and more. If you would like to know whether a specific medication is included in our testing, please contact us at PGxInfo@PGxAlly.com.
With Precision Health Ally, getting a PGx test is easy and straightforward. You can order directly from us—no doctor’s referral is needed. Our tests come with a unique benefit: each report is reviewed by our expert team of pharmacists. They’ll personally go over your results with you, answer any questions, and provide customized recommendations. This means you get a highly personalized experience, so you can feel confident about your medications and how they work best with your body.
No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to order a test from Precision Health Ally. We believe in accessible, patient-centered healthcare, so our PGx tests are available directly to you. This approach empowers you to make proactive health decisions without waiting on referrals.
Our detailed PGx reports provide critical insights into how your body processes medications based on your unique genetic profile. When shared with your provider, these insights help them personalize your treatment by selecting medications and dosages that align best with your genetics, potentially reducing adverse effects and increasing treatment success.
Pharmacists are at the heart of our testing process. With in-depth drug expertise and clinical knowledge, our pharmacists review your PGx results and analyze your report from a medication management perspective. They consider how specific medications may work with your genetic profile and, during a personalized consultation, will provide medication recommendations based on this information.
Yes! With Precision Health Ally, you’re not just handed a report—you receive a one-on-one consultation with a pharmacist who will explain your results, answer any questions, and provide guidance on what these findings mean for your medications. This approach ensures you fully understand your report and feel empowered to use it in your healthcare journey.
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing can be especially valuable if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Your results give your doctor insight into how your body processes medications, which can guide safer choices for you and your baby.
Some common situations where PGx results may matter in pregnancy include:
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
Pain management (codeine, tramadol, or opioids often prescribed after delivery or C-section)
Blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, or alternatives for clotting risks)
Nausea and vomiting medications (such as ondansetron)
Blood pressure or heart medications (beta blockers, antihypertensives)
Important notes:
Pregnancy itself changes how your body processes medications (due to increased blood volume, hormone changes, and altered kidney/liver function). PGx results provide guidance but don’t replace medical advice.
Always share your test results with your OB/GYN or maternal-fetal specialist before starting or adjusting medications.
Taking the test before pregnancy can give your care team more time to plan ahead.
No, our PGx test is not designed to diagnose diseases or assess genetic risks for conditions. Instead, it focuses on how your unique genetic profile may affect your response to medications, helping healthcare providers personalize treatments for you. If you’re interested in tests for disease predisposition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for the appropriate testing options.
Once we receive your sample, it typically takes about 2–3 weeks to analyze your results. Once your report is ready, we’ll schedule a consultation with one of our pharmacists to go over the findings.
Getting started is simple. Visit our website to purchase your test, and we’ll mail the testing kit directly to you. After collecting your sample following our easy instructions, send it back to us in the prepaid package. You’ll receive an email with next steps and a consultation appointment when your results are ready.
Your genetic makeup remains relatively stable throughout your life. However, it's advisable to update your pharmacogenomic information when there are significant changes in your health or if you are considering new medications. You can always check with us before you add or change your medication therapy.
Your privacy is our priority. We secure your genetic information with strong encryption, comply with HIPAA standards, and limit access to only essential healthcare professionals. Additionally, we anonymize your data whenever possible. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.