MyBestMed® Frequently Asked Questions
MyBestMed® Panel/Results
How do my genes affect which medication may work for me?
Your genes are unique to you. The Pro-GeneX report uses color-coding to show which medicines may be more likely to work for a patient based on his/her genetic makeup. The Pro-GeneX report also contains helpful information about how an individual’s genetic makeup may affect dosage based on the analysis of certain genes.
Will the same medicine that worked for someone I’m related to (mom/dad/sister/brother) work for me?
Not necessarily. Each person has a unique set of genes and genetic responses to medications. You may share genetic similarities with your relatives, but each of you has a different genetic makeup and metabolism. Your genes influence the way your body may respond to a specific medication. So, a medication that works for your relative may not necessarily work for you and vice versa.
What are the possible results of this test?
The results will tell your doctor about genetic anomalies that may affect how you process certain medications. The results of this testing can reveal some inherited or genetic anomalies that might make a person unresponsive or hypersensitive to a particular medication.
What is the MyBestMed® panel?
The MyBestMed® panel helps doctors decide whether a medication will work for you and how likely it is to cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may use the results to adjust your dose or consider other treatments.
What are the examples of an ADE (Adverse Drug event)?
Possible ADE are listed in the side effects section of the drug label which may be harmful to the patient. Examples include excess sedation, rash, fatigue, and other drug interactions.
Do you test for cancer?
Not at this time, but we may in the future. Currently, we are focused on pharmacogenetics, which is the study of how your body reacts to medications instead of cancer genomics which studies how genetic variations are associated with cancer risks.
What is the difference between other genetic tests and MyBestMed®?
Other genetics tests are primarily focused on reporting family history and health panels. MyBestMed®, powered by Pro-GeneX, is a pharmacogenetics test that aids in determining the best medication for you.
How could the MyBestMed® panel help me?
MyBestMed® panel gives your healthcare provider important information to help plan your treatment. The portal is designed to help him/her get you on the right medicine faster with fewer unwanted side effects. Pharmacogenetic testing analyzes your genes and then matches the information about your genes to a list of medications that may be available treatment options for your condition. That gives your healthcare provider additional insight to help select the medications that may work best for you.
How do I interpret pharmacogenetic test results?
The best way to ensure you fully understand your results is to schedule an appointment with a consultant. If you have more questions, please send them to MyBestMed@Pro-GeneX.com.
How often is the medication list updated?
If any new information about existing medication becomes available the portal is updated quarterly so it is important that you review your results routinely. If your medications change, work with your prescriber and check the portal before a medication is selected to know if it works for you.
How do I keep up with changes in my medications?
Your test results allow you to include current and model potential medications so you and your physician can discuss the medication options that are suited for you. The body of knowledge is constantly changing with medications so working with your physician to guide your plan of care is important.
How will I obtain results from this test?
Typically available from your provider in approximately 10 business days after receipt of your sample. Please remember, always consult with your physician before making any changes to your plan of care.
Where can I find additional information about PGx?
If you have a specific question, please send your question to solutions@pro-genex.com.
About
What is the difference between MyBestMed® genetic test kit and MyBestMed® genetic panel?
MyBestMed® genetic test kit including instructions to register and collect a genetic sample using a swab. The MyBestMed® genetic panel is the actual lab test that helps doctors decide whether a medication will work for you and how likely it is to cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may use the results to adjust your dose or consider other treatments.
Who is Pro-GeneX?
Pro-GeneX Clinical Services, LLC and Pro-GeneX Laboratories, Inc. is a recognized partners providing clinical decision support tools for pharmacogenetic testing programs in high-risk patient populations. Our team is committed to excellence. The Company is delivering pharmacogenetic solutions that are fast becoming a new standard of care. We deliver actionable genetic data that maximizes drug efficacy while minimizing adverse drug events.
Who is Pro-GeneX Laboratories, Inc.?
Located in Gainesville Georgia, Pro-GeneX Laboratories is staffed by highly trained laboratory professionals. The laboratory utilizes the latest genetic testing instruments available and tests the largest pharmacogenetic panel in the industry. The laboratory works closely with medical geneticists and genetic counselors to ensure timely interpretation of laboratory results for health care professionals and their patients.
Who is Pro-GeneX Clinical Services, LLC?
Our clinical team’s experience with thousands of hours collaborating with Physicians, Directors of Nursing, and Pharmacists facilitate communication on medication risks in order to support improved patient experience and actionable paths to improve outcomes.
How do I keep up with changes in my medications?
Your test results allow you to include current and potential medications so you and your physician can discuss the medication options that are suited for you. The body of knowledge is constantly changing with medications so working with your physician to guide your plan of care is important.
What does my genetics have to do with my medications?
Our genetics directs the production of enzymes in the body. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down medications. Thus, the variation in each individual’s genetics affects how the body will metabolize different medications.
What is the definition of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics? Is there a difference?
Pharmacogenetics is when the variation in one gene has an impact on an individual’s response to a single drug. Pharmacogenomics is a broader term used to define genes and their influence on drug responses.
Where can I find additional research or information?
Visit our website https://www.pro-genex.com/research/
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing
What is Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing is one tool that you and your provider can use to aid in determining the best medication for you. It looks at certain genetic attributes that can impact how you metabolize, absorb, or respond to a particular medication. It is important to remember that other factors, such as age, other medications you are taking, and medical conditions can also impact how a medication may affect you.
Is this test covered by my insurance?
Pro-GeneX is in-network with most major payors. We are an approved Medicare provider and work with most states and Medicare.
What is the test like? Is it invasive?
The test is easy to administer and takes about five minutes. Your sample is collected using a simple cheek swab.
How young can you be in order to get tested?
You can be tested as a child, as the genes associated with Pharmacogenetics generally do not change. There is no minimum age to complete the test, but it does require parental consent.
What is needed to perform this test?
Cheek (buccal) cells will be collected by swabbing the inside of your cheeks. Pay attention not to swab your teeth. Your DNA is then extracted from the swab sample and tested for changes using MyBestMed®.
What is the purpose of having a buccal swab versus a saliva sample collection?
The difference between the methods is a personal preference of the processing lab/lab personnel. Genetics from your cheek cells are as effective as saliva samples. To ensure complete results, please follow instructions and swab thoroughly.
How often do I have to take the test?
Since your genes generally do not change throughout your lifetime, most patients only require one test in their lifetime.
What are the limitations of the test?
For some medications, the results will give clear guidance for deciding the best dose. However, for other medications, there are no established dosing guidelines based on the results. Therefore, your doctor may need to try a few doses or treatment adjustments to see what works best for you. In addition, this test does not identify all genetic anomalies that could affect treatment decisions. Lastly, this test does not take into account the impact of concurrent medications, diet, health conditions, or personal factors such as diet, age, and weight which may all influence how medications and drugs work.
Why can’t I eat before doing a buccal swab?
To avoid food particles in the DNA samples, we ask that you avoid eating prior to completing your kit.
Privacy
Who has access to my results?
Pro-GeneX Laboratories Inc., and ProGeneX Clinical, LLC., have access to the results and will share them with the individual patient tested. You (the patient) have control over who else, such as your physician will receive this information.
What do you do with my Genetics?
We analyze all tests at our CLIA-accredited lab, so we can insure the quality and security of your data. Your genetic information is private and protected through various federal laws including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GINA (Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act) ensuring your personal and genetic information remains in your control.
What are the precautions the company takes not to swap my genetic sample with someone else?
Once a sample arrives at the lab, barcode matching from the sample tube and the requisition form sent back in the kit represents the two patient identifiers. These two identifiers are associated with your sample throughout the testing process to ensure the results you receive are yours.
How do you dispose of samples?
Genetic samples are disposed of every 30 days by incineration. State laws vary and we follow individual state guidelines. The scientific knowledge of the data continues to grow and your data remains de-identified.
What will happen to my genetic sample once the test is complete?
The original sample will be discarded at the end of the testing process or stored for no more than 30 days. In some circumstances, your DNA may be used anonymously as a negative or positive control sample in future testing for up to 6 months. In this circumstance, all identifiers will be removed prior to re-testing and the DNA sample and results obtained will remain anonymous.
How long are results kept?
Results are maintained securely for as long as you wish to access the platform. However, if you would like for your results to no longer be available through the MyBestMed® genetic panel risk management system. To request the removal of your results, e-mail solutions@pro-genex.com.
Will my data be shared with any of my insurance companies?
No, we do not share data with or interact with your insurance companies.
Can the report be part of my patient record?
At your request. The report may become a valuable asset to one’s medical record.
Can I share my results with my personal physician?
Yes. This is our recommendation. Once you have reviewed your results with our healthcare professional, you’ll be able to share your results with one or multiple physicians.
How do I share this information with my physician?
When your results are reviewed, you will be in control of sharing your results with your physician via a hard-copy report.
How long do you keep my data?
All 18 HIPAA Identifiers, considered personally identifiable information, are removed from your data. Data is de-identified and only paired again when you review your results. Your data will remain de-identified if you no longer are enrolled in the MyBestMed® genetic panel.
I have group health insurance. Who at my employer has access to my prescription or genetic results?
No one at your company has access to your genetic results as a result of this testing unless you choose to share results with them. You are in control to release the results as you see fit to your physician. We are dedicated to maintaining your privacy and keeping your results completely confidential.