Lab Services
Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins, confirming or ruling out suspected genetic conditions or helping determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Genetic testing is voluntary.
Testing has benefits as well as limitations and risks, hence the decision about whether to be tested is personal and complex. We offer this service as an opportunity to test and analyze clinically important genetic variations that may affect patient’s outcomes with certain medications.
Informed Treatment
Finding the right medication for your psychiatric condition could be achieved with the information your DNA provides as your genetic variants can impact how you metabolize medications. The results obtained from a genetic test can show which medication may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on the patient’s genetic make up.
Genetic testing has been proven to be clinically valid and useful during decision making, demonstrating improvement in remission rates as high as 50% versus treatment without it.
Key Concepts
Genes
DNA sequences offer information about mutations in genes that can cause or increase the risk of genetic disorder.
Chromosome
Chromosomes carry long pieces of DNA that are useful for testing if there are large genetic changes.
Proteins
Proteins play a critical role in cell development and in the maintenance and expression of genetic information.
How Does It Work?
The test is administered by our healthcare providers. The test usually follows these steps:
Step 1
A DNA sample is collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek.
Step 2
The sample is sent to our lab for analysis.
Step 3
Your provider gets test results within 3 days.
Step 4
The tests are reviewed with you on your next visit.
Reasons For Genetic Testing
- To help guide efficient medication selection or dosing.
- To determine how you may respond to mental health medications based on your genetics.
- To warn you against certain neuropsychiatric medications.
The Report
The lab sends us a report showing an analysis of your DNA. It identifies relevant genetic variants that are informative for medication efficacy, safety, and dosing and it helps the clinician avoid multiple medication trials.
Information about which medications may require adjustments, be less likely to work, or have increased risk of side effects based on your genetic information is included. The report classifies over 60 mental health medications into four categories:
Green
Use as directed
Yellow
Moderate Gene-Drug Interaction
Red
Significant Gene-Drug Interaction
Gray
No proven genetic markers
Insurance & Financial Assistance
Many commercial and government insurance plans reimburse for all or part of the cost of the test. For patients with commercial insurance, there is also an opportunity to apply for the Financial Assistance Program.
More information can be found here