Genetic Medicines Test

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) informs you about how DNA variants may influence your body’s ability to process certain medications. NowPatient, is able to identify which patients may benefit from this service.  The service promises to personalize pharmacotherapy by using an individual’s genetic profile to guide optimal drug and dose selection. It is the UK’s first private service of its kind.

Yes. This service is available for users who reside in the UK or US.

Yes. This is a private service.

NowPatient currently tests for 2 gene panels to help you understand how the medications you take may interact with them. Our laboratory checks for mutations and has a validated sensitivity of > 99%.

The 2 gene panel tests we offer are:

• CYP2C19
• CYP2D6

CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are important drug-metabolizing enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of over 30% of all medications. It covers common drug groups like anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.

For UK users, our German laboratory complies with the fundamental guidelines set out in the quality assurance for clinical laboratory testing by the German Medical Association (Bundesarztekammer). Furthermore, the requirements of DIN EN ISO 15189:2014 are all met and are established in an integrated quality management system based on the certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and the requirements of the Rili-BAK (2019).  In addition, all consumables used for sample collection are procured in the UK and certified with conformance standards bodies.

For US users, our American laboratory is CLIA-certified and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Both the UK and US service utilizes Clinical Decision Support (CDS) software based on the evidence base of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC).

Instructions for sample collection are enclosed in each collection kit. The most successful results are those of patients who follow the instructions provided.

We supply you with a return system package. Use this to send back the sample. Samples are fully tracked and can be posted from any Royal Mail post box, for UK customers, or USPS, for US customers.

Test results can take anywhere from 5 to 7 days to arrive from the day you posted your sample back to our laboratory. Once your results are ready we will contact you to arrange a telehealth consultation with one of our clinicians. Here, we will discuss the results of your test and offer advice on your next steps. At the end of the consultation, the results will be made available to you on your account. You will be able to download these and share them with your doctor if required.

No. We can only explain what the results mean in relation to your body’s ability to process the medication. The decision to alter a dose or medication is at the sole discretion of your prescribing physician. However, you can share the results with your doctor.

Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.