FAQ

A test offered by GenesFX Health is a diagnostic test that is performed if you are about to take or are already taking medication. Like other laboratory tests, it must be ordered by an authorized healthcare provider. Below are some scenarios that may help you determine if you are a potential candidate for the GenesFX Health gene tests. You may be a candidate for the GenesFX Health gene test - If you have a history of intolerance to medications with side effects - If you have a history of not responding to common drugs such as pain medication. - If you are about to take drugs, such as antidepressants, where the therapeutic action does not commence for some weeks and there is trial and error involved. - If you have a complex mixture of multiple drugs, symptoms and possible side effects, and where greater understanding of the components is sought. - For children who are patients, and are taking drugs and you are unsure about how they are responding - If you are planning for a hospital visit for surgery or a procedure for which common medications are often prescribed. - If you wish to know a list of medications you should avoid in the event of an emergency. The decision whether or not to take the GenesFX Health gene test is one that you and your doctor should make together

Everyone usually has two copies of each gene and the recommended dose of the medication assumes both genes are functioning normally. However if one or both of these genes does not function, it may change the metabolism, which may lead to a different dose requirement. The tests results categorise the person as one of the following categories: **Poor Metaboliser** If a person has changes which cause both genes not to work then that person is called a "poor metaboliser". This means they metabolise the drug very slowly and this usually leads to higher than normal concentrations of the drugs in the blood and sometimes to side effects of the drug, (adverse drug reactions). To avoid this they should take a reduced dosage of the drug or avoid that drug and any other drugs that use the same gene in the processing of a drug. If there are known dose recommendations the GenesFX Health provides them with the report following the genetic test. **Extensive Metaboliser (Normal Metaboliser) ** If both genes are working at the normal rate then the person is called an "extensive metaboliser" and they can start with the standard dosage that is usually given for this drug. **Intermediate Metaboliser** If a person only has one of the genes working for the drug metabolising enzyme being tested, then this person processes the drug more slowly than normal, but not as slowly as when both genes are not functioning. When only one gene is working, the person is usually called an "intermediate metaboliser" for this drug metabolising enzyme. They also may require dose reduction, but not as much as poor metabolisers. There are exceptions to this rule when genes have partial function. GenesFX Health advises about these. **Ultrarapid Metaboliser** Some people have more gene function than normal and make more enzyme than normal. They are called "ultrarapid metabolisers". The effect on the medication depends on whether the drug taken is active or inactive. If the drug is active the person does not get much benefit from the drug because the entire drug is inactivated by the excessive enzyme produced. Alternatively other medications that need to be activated are activated too much and the individual suffers side effects.

These genetic changes are an important factor in how the drug is handled in the body. There are many other factors involved in metabolism of the drug e.g. height, weight, liver and kidney function. The pharmacogenomic test cannot explain everything about how the drug is processed in the body. However the GenesFX Health tests will provide additional essential information as to how the body handles the drug and one that can predict whether or not the right drug and dose is given to the individual. Pharmacogenomic testing will lead to a more informed choice in determining the right dose of the drug, or which drug a particular person could take.

No because the test simply suggests which metaboliser group a person is in. The risk of such side effects may be greater in this group but not everyone will get them.

GenesFX Health uses Australia’s only NATA accredited laboratory to provide the genetic testing . There is an established quality assurance program and the laboratory participates in international laboratory assurance programme. The equipment is the latest in genetic testing and as such is highly accurate. Nevertheless there are many abnormal changes (mutations) in the genes being tested and the laboratory cannot test for them all. There is therefore a small chance that rare genetic variants may not be detected. The reports use the scientific literature which is continually updated and attempt to be as accurate as possible. However there are many other factors involved in drug response, such as weight and liver function, and so the test result is a guide only.

If you are enquiring about a test you have found on the GenesFX website then print out the test page and also the request form and tae them to your doctor. Your Doctor may also be interested in the website and can obtain access to important alternative therapy information by registering.

Blood tests are conveniently done with other pathology tests at local collection centres. If you are not having any other tests and want to avoid a blood test request a cheekbrush kit by the contact us menu.

Many drugs are metabolised by more than one enzyme and many people are on more than one drug at any one time or during their lifetime. DNAdose tests from common variants for the following genes simultaneously: CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, VKORC1.