Decoding genetic testing: what does it mean for you and me?:
mygenerx
In the last decade, advances in science have made it possible to diagnose and treat illness with greater precision than ever before. Simple, accessible genetic testing, like mygeneRx, has given healthcare practitioners the power to maximise effectiveness and minimise side effects of medicine. This is changing the world of healthcare – but not everyone knows how. Here’s what you need to know about genetics and personalised medicine:
What is pharmacogenomics?
For a long time, medicine revolved around the best way to treat the masses – doctors prescribe the same medication to treat people with a similar condition. Pharmacogenomics promotes a more personalised approach.
Pharmacogenomics harnesses genetics to predict an individual’s response to medication, leading to more effective treatment. Although there’s a long way to go in relying entirely on DNA to make medical decisions, this is a rapidly evolving field that already can provide a wealth of useful information. It’s a more effective way to practice medicine than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Why are genes important in treatment?
Small variations in our DNA make us unique. These variations determine how proteins and enzymes are made, which in turn lead to specific enzymes working faster or slower. This impacts how medication is metabolised in the body. In certain patients, a higher or lower dosage of medication is needed, or alternative medication is better suited.
Statins, for example, which are commonly prescribed to help lower cholesterol, vary in effectiveness depending on DNA. For some, they don’t work at all and instead yield negative side effects. If a doctor understands a patient’s DNA, they can avoid prescribing a drug that won’t contribute to a quick recovery.
What medications can I test for?
The responsiveness of more than 150 medications across cardiovascular, pain, gastrointestinal and psychiatric medications can be made more accurate through genetic tests.
How advanced are genetic tests?
Genetic testing and personalised medicine have an exciting impact on both clinical research and patient care. Not only will it improve health but also save time and money by avoiding a trial and error approach. These tests are applicable to children, adults and the elderly, as your DNA never changes.
Is all genetic testing invasive?
The perception that genetic testing is an invasive and complicated process is misinformed. Advanced home test kits consist of a simple cheek swab that can be delivered to and collected from wherever you are. There’s nothing invasive about it.
How long will it take to get results?
Because DNA samples are analysed in a lab, most people believe it’ll take months to get results. This isn’t necessarily the case. Genetic test results can be received 10 to 14 days after DNA samples reach the lab.
Can I trust genetic testers with my data?
Many people fear their genetic information landing up in the wrong hands and being used by insurance companies for risk analysis or research. If you take a test through a reliable and trustworthy laboratory, information should be kept confidential and stored in a secure database only available to the patient and healthcare practitioner.
What are the benefits of genetic testing?
Pioneering genetic tests like mygeneRx yield a more precise understanding of why two people might respond differently to the same medication. It’s a quantum leap towards prescribing exactly the right treatment, to the right patient, the first time.
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