Ampath Diagnostic Guide | Pathology solutions are in our DNA
🌐 www.ampath.co.za
🧬 What is Pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genes influence your response to medication.
By analysing your unique genetic code, this test can:
- Predict your risk of drug-related side effects
- Help guide the best medication and most effective dosage for you
🤔 Why Consider This Test?
If you (or a family member) use prescription or over-the-counter medication, pharmacogenomic testing can:
- Predict effectiveness or safety of specific medicines
- Highlight potential side effects
- Help avoid the trial-and-error approach to prescriptions
- Enable your doctor to choose the “best-fit” drug from the beginning
⚠️ What Are Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)?
Everyone’s genes are different. Some people experience serious reactions to medications — called adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
- ADRs range from mild to life-threatening
- If one occurs, the drug must be:
- Identified
- Stopped
- Replaced with a safer alternative
Pharmacogenomic testing helps reduce your risk of ADRs.
🧠 What Else Affects Medication Response?
Besides your DNA, other factors include:
- Age
- Weight and height
- Diet
- Kidney and liver function
- Other medications you're taking
💡 Why Is This Test Useful?
Pharmacogenomics has advanced rapidly. There's growing evidence that it:
- Improves medication safety and effectiveness, especially in long-term therapy
- Helps tailor treatment in:
- Psychiatric conditions
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic illness
📈 Real-World Results
In a large study in Kentucky (USA):
- 28,000+ retired teachers (age 65+) taking an average of 12 meds/day were tested
- Of the ~5,000 tested:
- 64% required immediate medication changes based on their genetic results
- 94% of doctors accepted the recommended changes
Outcomes:
- 29% decrease in hospitalisations
- 18% decrease in pharmacy spend
- 24% reduction in slips and falls
🔁 How Often Do I Need the Test?
Only once.
Your genetic code never changes, so your test results will be valid for life and can be used every time you need a new prescription.
💊 Do I Have to Be on Medication?
No.
This test measures how your body is likely to react to certain medications — not what you are currently taking.
💊 Can It Guide All Medications?
Pharmacogenomics is still evolving. While many drug/gene relationships are well understood:
- Some medications already have strong evidence
- Others are still under investigation
Always consult your doctor or an Ampath pharmacogenomics specialist for guidance.
👥 Who Should Consider This Test?
Anyone, of any age.
Especially helpful for:
- People on chronic medications:
- Psychiatric meds
- Antidepressants
- Statins
- Anticoagulants
- Elderly patients with chronic illness
- Children with cancer or rare conditions
🧪 Where Do I Get Tested?
You can visit any Ampath care centre in South Africa.
- Referred by your doctor, or
- Self-refer for testing
- Sample collected via:
- A tube of blood, or
- A cheek (buccal) swab
💳 Will My Medical Aid Cover It?
Many medical aids now cover pharmacogenomic testing, especially with clinical motivation.
Contact your provider to confirm your eligibility.
📱 How Do I Get My Results?
- Results are available via the Ampath App
- Or through the My Lab Results section at www.ampath.co.za
- Results are available within 10 working days after the lab receives your sample
Note: Certain results may only appear on the app after a doctor explains them to you.
🩺 Who Can Help Me Interpret My Report?
- Your doctor or pharmacist
- Email: 📧 pgx@ampath.co.za
- Visit: 🌐 www.ampath.co.za for more resources