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Find answers to common questions, look up pharmacogenomics terms in plain language, or get in touch with the TBMH-PGx team directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What type of sample is collected for the test? Expand question
Testing uses a simple cheek (buccal) swab, with no blood draw and no clinic visit required for sample collection. A collection kit is posted to you with prepaid return packaging. The process takes under five minutes.
How long do results take? Expand question
Results are typically available within 2–3 weeks from the date your returned sample is received by the laboratory. You will receive an email notification when your report is ready for clinical review. If you have not received notification within 3 weeks of returning your kit, please contact the TBMH-PGx team directly.
Does Medicare cover pharmacogenomics testing in Australia? Expand question
At the time of publication, Medicare does not provide a rebate for pharmacogenomics testing in Australia. The testing is privately funded. As of June 3, 2026, Medibank publishes a PGx claim guide for eligible members, while Bupa promotes current pharmacogenomics access through Blua. Insurer terms can change, and the coverage landscape is evolving; the RCPA website remains a useful Australian reference point.
Do I need a referral to order a test? Expand question
A clinician referral is strongly recommended to ensure your results are interpreted in the context of your full clinical picture. Pharmacogenomic results without clinical context can be difficult to act on appropriately. Our team will request the name of your referring or treating clinician when you order.
Can my genetic test results change over time? Expand question
Your underlying genetic variants do not change. DNA is stable throughout your life. However, the clinical recommendations associated with your genotype may be updated as new evidence emerges. CPIC and DPWG guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated. Your clinician will always apply the most current guidelines to your stable genetic result.
Will the results tell me which medication to take? Expand question
No, pharmacogenomic results are a clinical tool that informs prescribing decisions, but they do not replace clinical judgement. The same genotype can lead to different recommendations depending on the indication, comorbidities, and other medications. Results must always be reviewed by a qualified clinician in the context of your full medical history.
Are my genetic results kept private? Expand question
Yes. Your genetic data is stored securely in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the relevant clinical privacy obligations. It is not shared with third parties, employers, or insurers without your explicit written consent. Please contact the TBMH-PGx team for a copy of the full Privacy and Consent Policy before ordering if you have specific concerns.
I'm a GP — can I refer my patients for this test? Expand question
Yes. TBMH-PGx accepts referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, neurologists, and other treating clinicians. Patients can use the secure checkout page first, and TBMH will collect the treating-clinician details during follow-up onboarding before report delivery. For bulk referral arrangements or clinical queries, please contact the team directly.
What is the difference between pharmacogenomics and standard genetic testing? Expand question
Standard genetic testing (e.g. for hereditary disease risk) looks for variants associated with disease susceptibility. Pharmacogenomics specifically examines variants that affect how your body processes medications, not disease risk. The two types of testing serve different clinical purposes and are not interchangeable.
Glossary

Pharmacogenomics Terms Explained

A plain-language guide to the terms you may encounter in your PGx report.

Pharmacogenomics Pharmacogenomics
The study of how your genes may affect the way your body responds to medications.
Precision Medicine Precision Medicine
A personalised approach to healthcare that uses information about your biology, symptoms, and medical history to guide treatment.
Precision Psychiatry Precision Psychiatry
The use of personalised medicine in mental health care, including genetic information that may help guide medication choice, dosing, and monitoring.
DNA DNA
The genetic code you inherit from your parents. It contains the instructions your body uses to function.
Gene Gene
A section of DNA that helps control how your body works, including how it processes some medications.
Genetic Variant Genetic Variant
A small difference in DNA sequence between people. Some variants influence how well a medication works or how likely it is to cause side effects.
Enzyme Enzyme
A protein in the body that helps chemical processes happen. Some enzymes are responsible for breaking down medications.
CYP Enzymes CYP Enzymes
A family of enzymes, found mainly in the liver, that help process many medications. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are the most clinically relevant in psychiatry.
CYP2D6 CYP2D6
An important enzyme that helps break down many antidepressants, antipsychotics, and ADHD medications. Genetic differences can affect medication levels, side effects, and treatment response.
CYP2C19 CYP2C19
Another key enzyme involved in processing several antidepressants and medications used in mental health care, including citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline.
Drug Level Drug Level
The amount of a medication in your bloodstream. If too high, side effects may increase; if too low, the medicine may not work as well.
Genotype Genotype
Your specific genetic result for a particular gene.
Phenotype Phenotype
The predicted effect of your genes on how your body functions, e.g., how quickly you are likely to metabolise a medication.
Metaboliser Status Metaboliser Status
A category describing how quickly your body is expected to process certain medications: Poor, Intermediate, Normal, Rapid, or Ultrarapid.
Poor Metaboliser Poor Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications slowly, which can increase medication levels and side effects at standard doses.
Intermediate Metaboliser Intermediate Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications somewhat more slowly than average, common finding, often manageable with minor prescribing adjustments.
Normal Metaboliser Normal Metaboliser
Processes certain medications at the expected rate. Standard prescribing guidelines generally apply.
Rapid Metaboliser Rapid Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications faster than average, which may reduce drug levels and reduce effectiveness at standard doses.
Ultrarapid Metaboliser Ultrarapid Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications very quickly. Some medications may be less effective; prodrugs may produce unexpectedly high active metabolite levels.
Actionable Result Actionable Result
A genetic finding that may help guide a clinical decision, such as adjusting dose, choosing a different medication, or monitoring more closely.
SNP SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)
A very small genetic change involving one DNA "letter." SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation tested in pharmacogenomics.
Star Allele Star Allele
A naming system used in pharmacogenomics to identify specific versions of a gene, such as CYP2D6*1 (normal) or CYP2D6*4 (non-functional).
Treatment Response Treatment Response
How much a person improves after starting a medication. Genetics can help predict likelihood of response and tolerability.
Adverse Reaction Adverse Reaction
A harmful or more serious negative response to a medication, distinct from the more common and milder term "side effect."
Activity Score Activity Score
A numeric value used to quantify expected enzyme activity (e.g. CYP2D6 activity score of 1.0 = Normal Metaboliser). Supports the phenotype label in clinical interpretation.
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