Pharmacogenomic Tests

The Optimal Rx Plus® is a test that looks at genes that may affect your body’s ability to benefit from certain drugs and other treatments. OptimalRx Plus® is a unique test that looks at a group of key genes that are specific to mental health treatments. It can help your clinician decide which medication and dose may work best for your symptoms. Clinicians generally use the test to help guide their treatment plans for patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions.

OptimalRx Plus® tests two types of genes to help your clinician make treatment decisions:

• Pharmacodynamic genes are a type of gene that indicates the effect a drug has on the body. It helps inform the selection of drugs that are safe, with low or no side effects, and that are effective in relieving symptoms.
• Pharmacokinetic genes are a type of gene that indicates the effect your body has on the drug, determining the speed at which the body breaks down and gets rid of the drug. The pharmacokinetic genes inform the dosage. The faster or slower your body processes a drug determines the dose that maybe required for the drug to be safe and effective.

Order your OptimalRx Plus now for only $495.

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References:
1. Brennan FX et al. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2015:17(2).

How does this testing work? What’s the process?

To order this testing, your healthcare provider is required to complete and sign the OptimalRx Plus® test requisition. A small sample of your saliva is required, which is collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab. The sample is sent to Dynacare for testing. Your test results are reported to your healthcare provider within 5-8 business days after your sample is received by the laboratory.

To order a OptimalRx Plus® sample collection kit, please submit your request online through the “ request an OptimalRx Plus kit Kit” section below or contact us at DynacareGenetics@dynacare.ca.

What do the results tell me and my clinician?

Your clinician will review your results with you and develop a personalized treatment plan specific to your genetic makeup. Dynacare always offers the services of our experts, including pharmacists and physicians, who can provide your clinician with additional guidance and explanation to understand your test results. The OptimalRx Plus® reports three possible types of results:

• A positive or clinically significant gene result. This means you have a gene variation(s) that may affect how your body responds to medication. Each positive result will have further guidance for your clinician to consider for your treatment.
• A negative or non-clinically significant gene result (normal). This means that the gene tested does not have a variation (is normal) and has no known effect on treatment with medications.
• An indeterminate gene result, or a gene variation of uncertain clinical significance. This type of test result occurs rarely. An indeterminate result means we were not able to determine a positive or negative result for a given gene or variant. In these rare instances, it may be possible to retest the gene with a new sample

An Expanded Panel For Greater Insight

The OptimalRx Plus® includes:

• 26 well-characterized, well-annotated genes, extensively supported in peer-reviewed publications to affect treatment for psychiatric conditions
• A report with more than 195 citations to the literature
• 15 pharmacodynamic genes, 11 pharmacokinetic genes

Genetic counsellors are here to help.

Do you need to clarify what your results mean? Are you interested in the science behind genetic testing? Would you like more information before proceeding with the test? Genetic counselling is available in English and French.

In addition to genetic counsellor support, Dynacare can provide access to our in house pharmacist to help determine optimal treatment.

Access our OptimalRx Plus® Sample Report
Access our OptimalRx Plus® Forms
Access Name Change Notice
Access Collection Instructions