Quest Diagnostics Unveils Innovative Pharmacogenomics Service

Quest Diagnostics Introduces New Pharmacogenomics Service

Quest Diagnostics, a prominent provider of diagnostic information services, has unveiled an advanced pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing service that aims to assist healthcare providers in understanding their patients' unique genetic responses to various drug therapies. This expanded PGx laboratory test service is designed to enhance the ability to tailor medication selections and dosing across multiple medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, oncology, rheumatology, pain management, and transplant recipients.

Personalized Medication Insights

According to Steven Keiles, the General Manager of US Specialty Genetics and Genomics Services at Quest Diagnostics, the introduction of this PGx offering is intended to empower clinicians by leveraging genetic insights for more effective prescription management. The goal is to reduce the process of trial and error in medication selection, leading to better health outcomes for patients.

Exploring the Benefits of Pharmacogenomic Testing

Pharmacogenomic testing has shown promise in minimizing therapeutic failures and adverse drug interactions (ADIs). These tests can potentially reduce unnecessary healthcare costs by preventing drug-related complications. Quest's new PGx service analyzes 17 genes and 4 HLA alleles associated with known gene-drug interactions, which have been established as medically relevant based on guidelines from various expert organizations.

Comprehensive Reporting and Support Tools

The service offers a Quest-generated report that includes genotype information and predicted responses to medication, alongside essential guidance on medication options. This personalized report is powered by Coriell Life Sciences, which has now become part of InformedDNA®. Additionally, clinicians are provided access to GeneDose LIVE, a clinical decision-support tool designed to help evaluate patient therapies comprehensively. By assessing both genetic and non-genetic factors, this tool offers insightful recommendations based on current evidence from gene-drug associations.

Improving Patient-Centric Care

Dr. Jeffrey Shaman, Vice President of Medical Affairs at InformedDNA, emphasizes that the collaboration with Quest is driven by a shared objective of transforming genetic results into enhanced health outcomes. Their partnership aims to provide healthcare providers with clear guidance on medication selection that aligns with each patient's genetic profile, ultimately aiming for a more individualized treatment approach.

Accessible Testing Options

Patients can access Quest's pharmacogenomics testing by submitting a requisition from their healthcare provider at any of Quest's extensive network of patient service centers spread throughout the nation. For added convenience, Quest also offers home collection services, making it easier for individuals to complete testing without the need for in-office visits.

Understanding Pharmacogenomics

Variability in drug metabolism can significantly impact individual responses to medications. Factors such as drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters may lead to adverse consequences, including treatment failures or serious drug interactions. With the insights gained from pharmacogenomic testing, healthcare providers can optimize drug regimens tailored to specific genetic profiles, enhancing both safety and efficacy in prescribing practices.

About InformedDNA and Coriell Life Sciences

InformedDNA, recognized as a leader in applied genomics solutions, has merged with Coriell Life Sciences to create a formidable entity in the field of genetic science. This union combines deep genetic expertise and innovative technologies, aiming to propel precision medicine to the forefront of clinical decision-making and enhance patient outcomes while reducing costs.

About Quest Diagnostics

At Quest Diagnostics, the mission is to create a healthier world, impacting lives one at a time. By providing crucial diagnostic insights from laboratory testing, Quest enables patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions that ultimately lead to better health outcomes. Serving a significant share of the U.S. population, Quest Diagnostics is committed to delivering actionable insights that pave the way for improved disease management and healthier lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pharmacogenomics testing?

Pharmacogenomics testing analyzes how an individual's genetic makeup affects their response to medications, enabling personalized treatment decisions.

How does Quest Diagnostics' PGx service benefit patients?

The PGx service provides precise insights into medication choices, reducing the risk of adverse drug interactions and enhancing treatment effectiveness.

What medical specialties can benefit from this service?

The service is relevant to various medical fields, including psychiatry, neurology, oncology, and cardiology, among others.

How can patients access the pharmacogenomics testing?

Patients can obtain testing by presenting a test requisition from their healthcare provider at any Quest patient service center or through home collection services.

Who developed the genetic insights used in the PGx service?

The service is informed by expert organizations' guidelines, ensuring that the genetic information is relevant and medically actionable.

About The Author

Olivia Taylor here, a 26-year-old writer and financial advisor. After earning a degree in finance, I worked in the sector for years. I've always loved numbers and had a talent for simplifying difficult financial ideas so that anyone could understand. I wrote my first book because of this passion; it helps readers take charge of their financial futures by fusing real-life stories with useful financial advice.

Whether they are just beginning their careers, preparing for significant life events, or seeking to invest wisely, my goal with my writing is to enable people to make educated financial decisions. The foundation of my work is the conviction that security and freedom of the individual are largely determined by financial literacy. To further financial education, I run workshops and frequently write for financial blogs in addition to my books.

I like to travel, experience other cultures, and find inspiration in daily life when I'm not writing or examining market trends. My passion is utilizing sound financial practices to help people reach their financial objectives and lead the best lives possible.

Contact Olivia Taylor privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Olivia Taylor as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.

About Investors Hangout

Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/

The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.