WHAT IS PHARMACOGENOMIC TESTING?
What is genetic testing?
Genetic tests look for differences in your genetic makeup (DNA) that are linked to certain health conditions, physical traits,
disease risk, or how you respond to medicines.
What type of genetic test is this?
The VA offers pharmacogenomic (PGx) tests. PGx tests determine how you process or respond to medicines based on your
genetics, allowing providers to better pick the dose or type of your medicines. The goal of using PGx testing is to decrease
side effects and improve the beneficial effects of your medicines. See: When One Size Does Not Fit All video.
How is pharmacogenomics pronounced?
Far-ma-CO-gen-o-MIX
How is PGx testing different from other genetic tests?
The PGx test mainly focuses on how your body processes or responds to medicines. It is not a test that tells you if you are
likely to develop common diseases like heart disease or cancer. It is not a test that will tell you where your ancestors came
from.
Will this PGx test show my risk for any diseases?
The PGx test may identify an increased risk for certain, uncommon, health conditions that were passed down to you from
your parents. In this case, you and your provider will be informed, and your provider will talk to you about what (if any)
next steps are recommended.
How do PGx tests help my provider make better decisions when prescribing medicine?
PGx results help your provider better understand how your body processes or responds to many common medicines. They
use this information to treat you, as an individual. Along with other medical information, providers use PGx test results to
determine if there is a better dose or type of medicine for you.
Can VA PGx testing affect my Service Connection?
No. Genetic test results cannot be used to deny or reduce a Veteran’s service-connected benefits
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Offering genetic testing for Veteran patients to inform decisions about your medicines FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) about the VA Pharmacogenomics Program
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IS THE VA PGx TEST AVAILABLE TO ME?
Who can get tested?
Currently, Veterans who receive their health care at a participating VA facility offering PGx tests can get the VA PGx test.
Is this test available at my VA?
All VAs are invited to participate in this program and testing will be rolled out in stages to participating VA sites nationwide.
For a current list of VA sites that offer the VA PGx test, visit the Site Listing on this website.
What does this test cost?
There is no cost to Veterans for the PGx tests offered through the VA PGx program. Standard co-payments for regular
provider visits and medicines prescribed by your providers are not covered by the VA PGx program.
HOW DO I GET A VA PGx TEST?
Who do I contact to get PGx testing ordered?
Please talk with your VA provider(s) about this test. They can explain the test, answer your questions, and if you agree,
order the test for you.
How do I get the test done?
The VA lab draws a small blood sample and sends it to the lab for testing.
Is the test performed at the VA?
The blood draw is done at the VA. The VA PGx program may work with a non-VA lab to process results.
Are there risks with PGx testing?
The physical risks of testing are like other tests that require a blood sample. These risks include fainting and pain or bruising
at the site of the puncture. It is possible that the treatment recommendations based on the test results may include
medicines that are more expensive or not preferred by the VA. Be sure to discuss these issues with your provider.
How long does the test take?
It may take up to 2 weeks for results to be available for you and your provider.
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WHAT HAPPENS WITH MY VA PGx TEST RESULTS?
Who will have access to the test results?
Your VA provider that ordered your PGx test will receive your test results. The results will also be stored in your VA medical
record for all your VA health care providers to review. As with all laboratory vendors, the testing lab also keeps copies of
the genetic test results (your DNA and blood sample are destroyed, however). We will also send a copy of your test results
to you in the mail. If you have providers outside the VA, you may want to share results with them.
Who will talk to me about my results?
Your provider who ordered the test may talk to you about results and answer questions you may have. If they can’t answer
your questions, they may direct you to another provider who can.
How will my PGx test results be used?
Your test results tell providers only part of the story. Other things like your age, overall health, other medicines you take,
and body size also affect how your body responds to medicines. Your provider will use all these factors to prescribe the
most appropriate medicines and doses for you.
What should I do with my test results?
PGx test results can be complex. Talk with your provider about questions or concerns. If you see more than one provider,
please share your test results with your other providers. This is especially helpful if a provider starts a new medicine for
you or if you get care outside the VA.
PRIVACY, LIMITS, FAMILY, AND MORE
Is this a research study?
No, this is not a research study. This test is like other labs, such as cholesterol and blood counts, ordered by your provider.
The test results are intended to be used as part of your healthcare.
How is my PGx information protected?
Your PGx test results are protected in the VA medical record and cannot be shared outside VA without your permission
unless there is a court order. If testing is done by a non-VA lab, they need to follow the same privacy rules to protect your
information as the VA.
How long can my PGx results be used in my medical care?
PGx test results do not change over time, so for most patients, repeat testing is not needed. We’ll update your VA medical
record with any new information. If your provider thinks you need to be tested again, they will talk with you.
What are limits of PGx testing?
Genetics tells us only part of the story. Other factors like age, overall health, other medicines you take, and body size also
affect how you respond to medicine. The VA PGx test only checks certain genes that we know affect selected medicines.
There may be other medicines that you are taking that are affected by genes we do not test for.
Can my family members get tested?
Testing through the VA PGx program is only available to VA patients. However, other types of PGx testing are available
outside the VA. If your family member is interested in testing, they should talk to their provider.
How does this program differ from the Million Veteran Program (MVP)?
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a research study that aims to better understand how genes affect health. The VA
PGx test program is a clinical test used to improve medicine prescribing for you. You can participate in MVP research and
get PGx testing if you choose.
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