What Is Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing?

A Simple PGx Guide for Patients in the UK

Pharmacogenetic testing—often shortened to PGx testing—is a type of DNA test that shows how your body processes medicines. Instead of relying on trial and error, PGx can help your doctor choose the right medication and dose from the start. Whether you’re considering antidepressants, pain medication, or heart drugs, PGx testing at home in the UK makes personalised prescribing more accessible than ever.

What Is PGx Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing looks at how your genes affect the way your body processes medicines. Instead of guessing which drug might work, PGx gives your doctor evidence to make a more personalised prescription. This can reduce side effects, save time, and help treatments work more effectively.

How PGx Testing Works in the UK

In the UK, PGx testing is usually done privately through a simple cheek swab that you can complete at home. The sample goes to a secure lab, and within about two weeks, your doctor receives a report showing which medicines may work better for you. Unlike other tests, your genes don’t change—so one test gives you results you can use for life.

Why PGx Is Different from Other DNA Tests

PGx testing isn’t about ancestry or predicting health risks. It focuses only on genes linked to how your body responds to medicines, like antidepressants, painkillers, and heart drugs. That makes it a practical tool for improving treatment today, not just learning about your background or future risks.

Transcript: In a Nutshell, What Is Pharmacogenetic Testing?

Pharmacogenetic testing—often called PGx—helps your Doctor choose the medications that suit your body the best, based on your genes.

Everyone processes medicines a little differently. That’s why some people get side effects or don’t feel like a medicine is working as expected.

A PGx test with AttoPGx is a quick cheek swab. It looks at your DNA to check how your body responds or metabolises certain medicines. Just like some people get twitchy on caffeine and others don’t, exactly the same is true of many medicines—including antidepressants, painkillers, and heart medications… Some people experience relief, while others are left wondering why their symptoms persist.

A PGx test doesn’t tell you about illnesses or health risks. It just helps your doctor choose a medication and dose that’s more likely to work for you, right from the start.

FAQs About PGx Testing

Is pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing available in the UK?

Yes. PGx testing is available privately in the UK through services like AttoPGx. Some NHS research projects are also exploring pharmacogenomics, but most people currently access it through private providers.

Can I do PGx testing at home?

Yes. PGx testing is usually a simple cheek swab that you can do yourself at home. Once your sample is returned to the lab, results are sent back within about two weeks.

Does PGx testing tell me about my health risks or illnesses?

No. PGx testing is different from health-risk or ancestry DNA tests. It only looks at the part of your DNA linked to how your body processes medicines—helping your doctor choose the treatment that’s most likely to work for you.

Ready to learn how PGx testing can help you? Order your AttoPGx test kit today or speak to your doctor about bringing pharmacogenomics into your treatment plan.

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