Just as gene variation controls hair or eye color, it also controls how the body reacts to certain drugs. Before prescribing one of those drugs, your physician may give you a genotype test to make sure the surge will be safe and effective for you. A genotype is an analysis of some aspect of your genetic make-up. Genetic drug sensitivity testing in Dallas helps you know your genotype and helps you and your doctor choose the most effective path.
CytochromeP450, abbreviated CYP450, is a complex of genes that controls liver enzymes that digest certain drugs. Those drugs include Plavix, Coumadin, warfarin, beta blockers, common pain medication and antidepressants, among many others. Different genes within the CYP450 complex control the metabolization of different drugs. CYP2C19, for example, indicates Plavix sensitivity, and CYP2C is commonly analyzed before prescribing Coumadin/warfarin.
Specifically, genetic drug sensitivity tests in Dallas show how quickly your body filters a given drug out of your bloodstream. A high metabolizer flushes drugs out of the body quickly, and might never realize any benefit from a taking a “normal” dose. A poor metabolizer is just the opposite, with a “normal” dose building to potentially dangerous levels. Understanding how quickly you will metabolize a drug helps your doctor calculate the safest, most effective dose for you.
You will need to provide a DNA sample using a buccal swab. A buccal swab is a sterile cotton swab made for DNA collection. You gather DNA simply and painlessly by rubbing the buccal swabs on the insides of your cheeks. The swabs are the sealed and shipped to the lab for testing.
Your privacy is assured. Samples and genetic information are stored securely in accord with HIPAA and other government regulations.
Genetic drug sensitivity testing is a routine clinical laboratory test covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans in Dallas. There may be a co-pay, depending the specifics of your policy.
Results will be sent to you doctor 3-5 business days after your sample is collected.