What's Happening?
Quest Diagnostics has introduced a new pharmacogenomic (PGx) laboratory test service aimed at helping healthcare providers understand individual genetic responses to drug therapies. This service is designed to optimize medication selection and dosing across various medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, oncology, and more. The offering includes insights from 17 genes and 4 HLA alleles, providing a comprehensive view of gene-drug associations. The service aims to reduce trial-and-error in prescribing, prevent therapeutic failures, and avoid adverse drug interactions. Quest Diagnostics collaborates with Coriell Life Sciences to deliver personalized medication guidance, enhancing clinical decision-making.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of this advanced PGx service is significant as it addresses the complexities of drug response influenced by genetic factors. By leveraging genetic insights, healthcare providers can tailor treatments to individual patients, potentially improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This service is particularly relevant in the context of polypharmacy, where multiple medications are prescribed, increasing the risk of adverse interactions. The ability to predict phenotypic responses and provide actionable recommendations can lead to more effective and safer prescribing practices, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.
What's Next?
Quest Diagnostics plans to make this PGx testing accessible through its 2,000 patient service centers across the United States, with options for home collection services. This expansion aims to overcome barriers to in-office testing and ensure broader access to personalized genetic insights. As healthcare providers integrate this service into their practice, it is expected to influence prescribing habits and improve patient care. The collaboration with InformedDNA and Coriell Life Sciences may further enhance the precision medicine landscape, driving advancements in genetic testing and clinical applications.
