Pharmacogenetics_patient

Pharmacogenetic
Testing

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is the study of how your genes affect the way you respond to medications. It is a key part of personalised medicine, which aims to give each person the treatment that works best for them. Doctors can use this information to choose the right drug and the right dose for each patient. This helps avoid side effects and optimises treatment.

Australian Clinical Labs offers a comprehensive selection of pharmacogenetic testing for a broad list of medications that your doctor can easily order to help manage your treatment.

PGx Medications List arrow iconPGx Patient Brochure arrow icon Information For Doctors arrow icon

  • How is pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing used?

    Doctors might order specific pharmacogenetic test(s) for relevant metabolised medication(s). If the test shows that a person’s genes affect how they respond to a specific medication, the doctor can adjust the dose or choose a different medicine.

    Pharmacogenetic testing performed in advance, before any issues arise, can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced suboptimal treatment responses or adverse reactions to medications in the past.

  • What PGx tests does Clinical Labs offer?

    Clinical Labs provides a wide range of pharmacogenetic tests to help doctors make more informed treatment decisions, especially in areas such as:

    • Mental health
    • Pain management
    • Heart conditions
    • Cancer treatment
    • And many more

    These tests look for small changes in your genes that affect how your body breaks down medications. If your body metabolises a drug too quickly or too slowly, it can lead to side effects or make the medication less effective.

  • CNSDose (Comprehensive+) PGx Panel

    Exclusively with Australian Clinical Labs

    CNSDose Patient Page arrow icon Medications List arrow icon

    CNSDose® is a simple blood test, developed by Australian psychiatrists, that helps your doctor identify the most suitable mental health medication and dose for you more quickly. This may help shorten the time to symptom relief. CNSDose uses your genetic information to guide treatment decisions for depression, anxiety, ADHD, dementia and other neurological conditions.

    Mental health medications must be processed by the liver and cross the blood-brain barrier to work effectively. Unlike standard pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests that only analyse how medications are metabolised, CNSDose also analyses how mental health medications reach the brain. This gives your doctor more personalised insights into how you may respond to different mental health treatments.

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    Comprehensive PGxCNSDose (Comprehensive+) PGx
    • 8 genes analysed
    • 97 medications covered
    • Avoidance and cautionary recommendations in line with international clinical guidelines
    • Prescribing guidance for mental health, cardiology, oncology, pain management, gastroenterology and other clinical areas    		• 19 genes analysed
    • 174 medications covered
    • Avoidance and cautionary recommendations in line with international clinical guidelines
    • Prescribing guidance for mental health, cardiology, oncology, pain management, gastroenterology and other clinical areas
    • Dose predictions (low, average, high) for mental health medications
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    With CNSDose, your doctor will receive a detailed, user-friendly report from Clinical Labs that provides guidance across a broad range of medications and conditions, including personalised dosing insights for mental health treatments, supporting safer and more effective care over your lifetime.

    CNSDose Patient Page arrow icon

    How to Access CNSDose Pharmacogenetic Testing

    Test Ordering:

    • CNSDose can be ordered by any referring GP or specialist.

    • Your doctor must complete a routine Australian Clinical Labs request form and specify ‘CNSDose’ PGx testing.

    • Please note: CNSDose is only available through Australian Clinical Labs.

    Sample Collection:

    • A simple blood test, available at any Australian Clinical Labs collection centre.

    • Visit our Locations page to find your nearest centre.

    Turnaround Time:

    • Results are sent to your referring doctor within 7-10 business days of sample receipt.

    • Your doctor will explain how the results relate to your treatment.

    • Results remain useful for future prescribing decisions.

    Test Cost:

    • An out-of-pocket fee of $210 applies.

    • Payment is required upfront via our secure online portal at the time of collection. Assistance from our collector is available if required.

    • Medibank members with eligible mental health cover may be able to claim a rebate following testing.

    Additional Resources:

  • Comprehensive PGx Panel

    A commonly ordered pharmacogenetic test is the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel. This test looks at a group of genes that affect how your body metabolises many common medications.

    These genes influence how your body responds to medications such as:

    • Warfarin (a blood thinner)
    • Codeine and other painkillers
    • Clopidogrel (for heart conditions)
    • Tamoxifen (used in breast cancer)
    • Antidepressants
    • Statins (for cholesterol)
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (for acid reflux)
    • Anti-nausea medications

    With the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel, your doctor will receive a detailed report from Clinical Labs that includes how your body is likely to respond to certain medications, whether you're a fast, slow or normal drug metaboliser, any potential drug-gene interactions and guideline-based recommendations for safer or more appropriate medication use.

    Scroll indicator
    Comprehensive PGxCNSDose (Comprehensive+) PGx
    • 8 genes analysed
    • 97 medications covered
    • Avoidance and cautionary recommendations in line with international clinical guidelines
    • Prescribing guidance for mental health, cardiology, oncology, pain management, gastroenterology and other clinical areas    		• 19 genes analysed
    • 174 medications covered
    • Avoidance and cautionary recommendations in line with international clinical guidelines
    • Prescribing guidance for mental health, cardiology, oncology, pain management, gastroenterology and other clinical areas
    • Dose predictions (low, average, high) for mental health medications
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    Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel Test Details

    Request Form Instructions:

    • This test can be ordered by any medical practitioner. Your doctor must fill out our routine Clinical Labs testing request form, making sure to list the gene(s) or group of genes required and prescribed medications, if available.

    • Sample collection available at any Clinical Labs collection centre. Please visit our Locations page.

    Turnaround Time:

    • Results will be available 2-3 weeks after the sample receipt date.

    Specimen Details:

    • 2x EDTA blood samples

    Test Cost:

    • An out-of-pocket fee of $190 applies.

    • If any of the genes from the Comprehensive PGx Gene Panel are ordered individually, an out-of-pocket fee of $140 applies per gene.

    Additional Resources:

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CNSDose is an advanced pharmacogenetic blood test that analyses your genetics to help your doctor choose more effective and personalised mental health medications and doses.

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