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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What type of sample is collected for the test?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
References: CPIC guidelines
and
ClinPGx DPWG guidance.
Will the results tell me which medication to take?
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?
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?
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?
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
The study of how your genes may affect the way your body responds to medications.
Precision Medicine
A personalised approach to healthcare that uses information about
your biology, symptoms, and medical history to guide treatment.
Precision Psychiatry
The use of personalised medicine in mental health care, including
genetic information that may help guide medication choice, dosing,
and monitoring.
DNA
The genetic code you inherit from your parents. It contains the
instructions your body uses to function.
Gene
A section of DNA that helps control how your body works, including
how it processes some medications.
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
A protein in the body that helps chemical processes happen. Some
enzymes are responsible for breaking down medications.
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
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
Another key enzyme involved in processing several antidepressants
and medications used in mental health care, including citalopram,
escitalopram, and sertraline.
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
Your specific genetic result for a particular gene.
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
A category describing how quickly your body is expected to process
certain medications: Poor, Intermediate, Normal, Rapid, or Ultrarapid.
Poor Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications slowly, which can increase
medication levels and side effects at standard doses.
Intermediate Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications somewhat more slowly than average,
common finding, often manageable with minor prescribing adjustments.
Normal Metaboliser
Processes certain medications at the expected rate. Standard
prescribing guidelines generally apply.
Rapid Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications faster than average, which may
reduce drug levels and reduce effectiveness at standard doses.
Ultrarapid Metaboliser
Breaks down certain medications very quickly. Some medications may
be less effective; prodrugs may produce unexpectedly high active
metabolite levels.
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 (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
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
How much a person improves after starting a medication. Genetics can
help predict likelihood of response and tolerability.
Adverse Reaction
A harmful or more serious negative response to a medication,
distinct from the more common and milder term "side effect."
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Have a question not answered above? Send us a message and the TBMH-PGx team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Clinical intake and consent are completed separately with the TBMH team after your order is placed.