FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS PHARMACOGENOMICS?
Pharmacogenomics (PGX) is the study of how a person's genetics (DNA) affects their response to medications. We have information on how genetics affect many medications; such as, those for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anxiety, pain, hematology, oncology, heartburn, nausea, infectious disease, and more. The goal of PGx is to help you and your provider know which medication and dose is right for you, rather than you having to try something and hope it works or doesn't cause adverse effects.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY TEST RESULTS?
Once the lab receives your sample, results are usually ready in 5-7 business days. However, it may be longer if the lab is experiencing a high volume of tests. The time to get results is also dependent on you the patient. After your test kit has be shipped to your home, it is up to you to complete the test. The longer you are delayed in taking your sample and mailing it back, the longer it will be before you know your results.
WHAT WILL MY RESULTS TELL ME AND HOW WILL THEY BE USED?
The results will tell us if you are currently on the correct medication(s) and dose(s) based on your DNA. The results will be shared with your provider(s) so that he or she can make adjustments to your medications, if needed. If you have had trouble taking medications in the past, your genetics may be the cause and your results may provide us with an answer. Since your DNA doesn't change, your results will also help inform future prescribing decisions.
HOW WILL MY PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION BE PROTECTED?
All communications between Tarheel PGx Consulting, LLC, the lab testing your sample, and your provider(s) is encrypted and protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), signed into law on May 21, 2008, makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against an employee or make an employment decision based on genetic information. GINA also prohibits health insurers from discriminating against a person based on their genetic information.
