UC San Francisco academic medical center will be the first in California to offer pharmacogenetic testing that helps pharmacists tailor medications and dosages to a patient's genetic makeup. The testing service will identify variations in 15 genes that affect dosing, effectiveness, and side effects of 56 medications. By identifying a patient's genetic variations, the program aims to use this knowledge to improve patient care and inform future decisions about medications and dosages. Results will be posted in the patient's portal within two weeks, and the hospital plans to ensure equitable access to pharmacogenetic testing. The program aims to address issues arising from the historical lack of genetic diversity in clinical trial populations. In the future, the program plans to expand the number of genes and medications tested and offer cheek swabbing as an alternative sample collection method.
Full article is from Lab Pulse here.