Pharmacogenomics testing: information for providers

The purpose of this information is to inform health care providers about pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing and to encourage a patient-oriented, cost-effective, appropriate and safe approach to PGx testing in B.C.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a field of research that studies how a person's genetic makeup affects their response to medications. PGx testing can provide information that can help identify the drugs and doses that are most likely to work for an individual patient.

PGx testing in B.C.

People can access PGx tests by purchasing a test kit online.

Public health care programs in B.C. such as PharmaCare and MSP do not pay for PGx tests. However, many private health insurers do help cover the costs.

As people become more aware of PGx testing, health care providers will receive more requests from patients for information about and access to the tests.

The role of health care providers

The Precision Medicines and Genetic Services unit of the Ministry of Health’s Therapeutic Assessment and Access Branch has prepared the document “Pharmacogenomics Testing: guidance for patients and providers”. It describes PGx testing, its utility, limitations and results, and recommends ways health care providers can support patients interested in learning more or having PGx testing done.

The document's “For providers” section is directed at primary care providers, regulatory colleges, pharmacists, policymakers and others with an interest in PGx testing and its potential uses and implications for people in B.C.

The guidance document includes recommendations for establishing policies, regulations and procedures to govern the safe and appropriate use of PGx testing in B.C., and provides extensive information about this increasingly talked-about dimension of targeted, person-specific health care.

Download Pharmacogenomics Testing: guidance for providers (PDF, 273KB).