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Pharmacogenomic Testing with AttoPGx
We spoke with Will Welton of Floe Oral Care after he tried our at-home PGx test. Will is a client of AttoDiagnostics, and we’re proud to share his feedback.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I get pharmacogenomic testing?”—well, that depends!
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If you’re a doctor interested in pharmacogenetic or pharmacogenomic testing in the UK, head to AttoDiagnostics.
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If you’re a patient looking to bring your “drug passport” to your doctor, start here.
What Did Will Have to Say about Pharmacogenomics Testing?
“I’ve done various tests before, and this one is incredibly simple to do at home. The entire process—from delivery and registration to collecting the saliva sample with the swab and posting it back—is quick and straightforward. It's a very user-friendly experience.”
“What I found particularly interesting is how the results act as a kind of drug passport—or compass—that helps me understand how different drugs may affect my body. This applies across all aspects of health: mental health, cardiovascular health, neurology, urology—everything.”
“For me, the service is essentially a guide that helps identify which medications are likely to work well and which ones might not be suitable.”
“Right now, I don’t need any medication. But I know that in the future, there may be times when I do, and I’ll want to understand how my body is likely to respond to certain drugs—especially to avoid adverse effects.”
How Does a Pharmacogenomics Test Work?
A pharmacogenomic test—sometimes called an at-home DNA test for medications—is collected just like most DNA tests: with a simple mouth or buccal swab, collecting cells from the inside of your cheek.
This is then sent to our accredited laboratory, where your DNA is analysed and compared with published data on how different genetic types respond to various medications.
Based on your genotype, the AttoDiagnostics report groups medications into three categories:
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Category 1: No known genetic issues with the drug
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Category 2: Caution advised—some genetic impact
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Category 3: Adverse reaction likely—avoid if possible
This system helps healthcare professionals make better-informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment for you.
A Personal Example from Will
“There’s a family history of high cholesterol. My father and grandmother have both used atorvastatin, and it works well for them with no adverse effects. However, my Atto report shows that for atorvastatin, I have a moderate genetic sensitivity—it falls into Category 2. So if I ever do need treatment for high cholesterol, this insight will help a doctor choose a more appropriate option.”
“Overall, I see this test as a valuable tool—a digital passport that can guide both myself and my healthcare providers in selecting the most effective and safest medications tailored to my genetic profile. It’s easy, straightforward, and the results are comprehensive. I’d thoroughly recommend it.”
Where Can I Get Pharmacogenomic Testing?
In most cases, your doctor will recommend a PGx test, especially if you’re being prescribed a medication that could have serious side effects based on your genetics. (In the UK, only a Doctor can change your prescription of course.)
For example, 25–30% of patients have reduced or no response to the blood-thinning drug clopidogrel due to a variation in the CYP2C19 gene, which is essential for activating the drug in the body.
In circumstances like the above, the NHS may wish to invest in a pharmacogenomics test, primarily for your care, but also because managing drug side effects can be costly.
Private vs. NHS Pharmacogenomics
If you’re going private, your doctor—whether a GP, cardiologist, or mental health professional—may suggest pharmacogenomic testing if:
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You’ve experienced side effects in the pastYour current medication isn’t working as expected
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You want to avoid trial and error prescribing
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The medication comes with a risk of severe reactions
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You’re taking multiple medications and want to avoid interactions
Pre-Emptive Testing: Your Drug Passport for Life
If you’re like Will and not currently on medication, your PGx test still holds long-term value. Think of it as your drug passport for life—a reference you and your doctor can use any time you’re prescribed something new.
Get started with your PGx test here.