Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing allows you to personalise your patient’s medication according to their genetic variation. This has been shown to improve clinical outcomes by enhancing therapeutic efficacy and improving clinical safety.

The Sonic PGx panel is a 10-gene pharmacogenomic test that provides guidance on medication and dose across common therapeutic areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, pain management, psychiatry and addiction medicine. 

While the Sonic PGx panel is available to all Australians, it is most useful for patients: 

• Experiencing unwelcome side effects or not responding to medication; or
• About to commence medications where PGx has been shown to influence clinical outcomes.

The genes tested on the Sonic PGx panel are:
CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP2C9, VKORC1, ABCB1, OPRM1 and SLCO1B1.

Sonic PGx panel reporting

Clinically relevant and ready-to-use

Sonic Genetics, in collaboration with an internationally recognised interpretive service, Translational Software, provides an evidence-based and clinically applicable report, incorporating recommendations from expert pharmacogenomic groups and associations in an easy-to-read format.

The report includes:

• Prescribing recommendations for current or proposed medications
• Genotypes, predicted metaboliser/activity status and potential drug-gene interactions
• The evidence level supporting the PGx guidance

PGx guidance is intended as additional clinical information doctors can utilise to explain or pre-empt potential medication related problems and inform prescribing decisions.

Single gene tests available

Specific single gene tests are independent of the Sonic PGx panel and include:

• TPMT
• UGT1A1
• DPYD
• HLA Typing

These can be requested using your local pathology request form and some may be legible for a Medicare rebate.

Click here for more information and pricing.

Arranging a Sonic PGx panel

1. Complete a Pharmacogenomic (PGx) panel request form or request the ‘Sonic PGx panel’ using your local pathology request form. Maximise the value from the PGx test by providing information regarding your patient’s clinical state and current or proposed medications.
2. Send your patient to any Sonic Healthcare pathology collection centre for a blood test.
3. Sonic PGx panel reports are delivered via Sonic Dx or courier, usually within 10 business days following receipt of the sample in our laboratory.

Cost

Medicare does not cover the cost of the Sonic PGx panel and your patient will receive an invoice. Please refer to test details for current pricing.