NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthspek, an award-winning personal health management platform, has expanded its commitment to helping consumers take control of their personal healthcare by offering at-home pharmacogenetic testing (PGT).
The saliva-based laboratory test analyzes DNA to determine how an individual will respond to certain medications based on their unique genetic makeup. The results can help doctors better prescribe the correct medication and dosage with little to no trial and error.
“The majority of us have some marker in our genetic code that affects the way we metabolize prescription drugs,” said Randy Farr, co-founder and CEO of Healthspek. “With this type of precision medicine, you’ll know right off the bat which drugs and what doses are the safest and most effective for you.”
Healthspek PGT (video) was born out of a strategic partnership with MyGenetx, an advanced healthcare laboratory that offers providers personalized medicine and specialized healthcare. Now users can order the test directly to their home, and in two weeks, receive detailed results of how they metabolize medications. An optional telephone session with a genetic counselor reviews the results and their meaning, along with recommendations to share with your provider.
“Pharmacogenetic testing is invaluable to patients who take medications for conditions such as heart disease, chronic pain, depression or high blood pressure who have spent weeks, months or longer searching for the right medication with the fewest side effects,” said Farr.
The Healthspek mobile “Lifetime Wallet” health record has become nationally recognized for its ability to allow individuals and families to track, collect and safely disseminate personal healthcare information, and PGT results only enhance the information available to patients and caregivers.
PGT results are stored at no cost in a Healthspek account, where they can be accessed personally or by doctors through ChartNow in both routine and emergency situations.
To learn more about the testing process and to order a PGT, visit pgt.healthspek.com.
MyGenetx is a molecular and general chemistry laboratory, providing timely and comprehensive test results. With a national footprint in the areas of pharmacogenetics, chronic disease management, hereditary cancer, women’s health, corporate wellness, endocrinology and oral health, MyGenetx is committed to bringing affordable, accessible and actionable laboratory testing to everyone. Their research and innovative ideas in genetic testing are at the forefront, allowing them to offer personalized medicine and specialized healthcare options, beyond the traditional standard of care. To learn more, visit www.mygenetx.com.
Healthspek is a free personal healthcare tool run on a mobile Web platform. It is available for iPads through the App Store and accessible through the website on all PC and other mobile devices. To learn more, visit www.healthspek.com.
