Pharmacogenomics (PGx) information for clinicians

Help your patients reduce the likelihood of adverse drug reactions and antidepressant side effects.
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Why PGx testing matters
Australian and international guidelines now recognise Pharmacogenomics (PGx) as a tool that can support safer prescribing. Research shows PGx-guided care is associated with fewer adverse drug reactions (ADRs), improved treatment responses, and safer polypharmacy.
1 in 4
patients have a clinically actionable pharmacogenetic variant.
While over 95% of individuals carry at least one actionable variant, around 1 in 4 patients have a variant requiring an immediate change to medication or dosage.
60%
of patients are prescribed a medication with a pharmacogenomics recommendation.
Over 60% of patients seen in general practice are prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, opioids and cardiovascular drugs, with known pharmacogenomics interactions.
Up to 50%
of patients don’t respond to their first antidepressant.
This results in trial-and-error prescribing, which leads to prolonged patient suffering, increased healthcare costs, disengagement, and a higher risk for deterioration.
30-50%
of people with depression are affected by treatment-resistant depression.
30-50% of people with depression meet criteria for treatment-resistant depression, facing more severe symptoms, poorer outcomes and higher suicide risk.
Why choose Genomic Diagnostics for PGx testing
If you believe PGx testing could benefit a patient, you may wish to share with them any of the following talking points.
Fewer side effects
Built for Australian practice
Aligned to local medications and clinical guidelines.
Fewer side effects
Actionable insights
Evidence-based prescribing recommendations, without unnecessary detail.
Fewer side effects
Clear next steps
Treatment pathways laid out at a glance for faster decisions.
Fewer side effects
Expert backup & support
Customer care teams and clinicians, including pathologists, are available for questions.
Fewer side effects
Easy access
Reports integrate directly into PMS or via the Healius Medway online portal.
Fewer side effects
Fast results
Comprehensive panels delivered within 2-3 weeks.
What the evidence tells us
Australian and international guidelines now recognise pharmacogenomics (PGx) as a tool that can support safer prescribing. Research shows PGx-guided care is associated with fewer adverse drug reactions (ADRs), improved treatment responses, and safer polypharmacy.
1 in 4
Reducing ADRs
When PGx testing is used to guide prescribing, ADRs can be reduced by up to 30%.This helps patients remain on therapy and lowers the risk of hospitalisation.Globally, ADRs account for up to 10% of hospital admissions.
60%
Improving remission rates
Patients prescribed antidepressants with PGx guidance are 70% more likely to achieve remission.This supports faster, more effective treatment compared to trial-and-error approaches.
Up to 50%
Enhancing safety in polypharmacy
For patients managing multiple medications, PGx testing can help reduce the risk of drug-drug interactions and improve overall safety. Studies also show potential savings of up to $2,000 per patient each year.
30-50%
Significant cost savings
By optimising medication therapy and reducing adverse events, PGx testing has been associated with substantial healthcare cost savings. International studies report average annual savings of more than $2,000 per patient, even after factoring in the cost of testing.
How to talk to your patients about PGx testing
If you believe PGx testing could benefit a patient, you may wish to share with them any of the following talking points.
Benefits
The test can help reduce side effects and avoid the trial-and-error approach to prescribing, allowing effective treatment to be found sooner. It is a once-only test, and the results remain useful for life.
How it works
Patients may also want to know how the test works. It is ordered online with a clinician’s referral, and the sample is collected either through a blood draw or a simple cheek swab. Results are usually available within two to three weeks and are reviewed together with their clinician.
Cost
The cost is $197 out-of-pocket, as the test is not covered by Medicare. However, some private health funds may provide a rebate to help offset the expense.
Reassurance
It is important to reassure patients. PGx testing supports, but does not replace, the clinical expertise of their healthcare team. Their data is kept secure and used only to guide prescribing decisions.
Interpreting a PGx report
Our PGx reports are designed for rapid interpretation. They are designed to assist your decision-making, not override clinical judgment.
Download report sample
Traffic light system
Medications of interest
Patient results
Potential drug interactions
Supporting tables and guidance
Evaluating the cost of PGx testing
PGx testing is not covered by Medicare. It is a $197 cost for the patient. Eligible members of Medibank Private with Extras Mental Health cover may be eligible for a rebate of up to $150.
1 in 4
Fewer adverse drug reactions
Avoiding ineffective or harmful prescribing reduces hospitalisations, specialist referrals, and follow-up consultations.
60%
Longer-term savings
PGx testing optimises medication therapy, reduces adverse events, and saves over $5,920 per patient annually, even after test costs.
Up to 50%
Lifetime value
At $197 out-of-pocket (once-only test), PGx is an investment in both improved outcomes and reduced long-term healthcare costs.
Meet Associate Professor Dr Kym Mina
At Genomic Diagnostics, our PGx test, the PGx Multi, analyses 18 genes relevant to over 100 medications.
Dr Kym Mina
Genetic Pathologist and Chief of Genomics, Genomic Diagnostics

In my laboratory work with clinics, I’ve seen how PGx testing can give patients extra answers.

One woman with depression tried several antidepressants, but her symptoms kept getting worse and she ended up in hospital.

PGx testing suggested those medicines may not have been the right fit, so we adjusted her treatment to something that appeared more suitable. Over time, her symptoms improved.

I’ve also seen patients whose main challenge was side effects. One woman’s mood improved on medication, but the nausea and weight loss made her want to stop.

PGx testing indicated her medicine may break down more slowly, which could explain why she felt unwell. By lowering the dose, she was able to keep taking it with fewer side effects.

These experiences show how PGx testing can give doctors useful information to help guide treatment choices

Who is endorsing PGx testing
PGx testing is backed by recognised clinical guidelines in Australia and internationally.
1 in 4
International
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) has regularly updated, peer-reviewed international guidance.
60%
International
CPIC and the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group regularly publish peer-reviewed guidance on well over 100 medications.
Up to 50%
Australia
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) provides indications for when PGx testing can support safe, effective prescribing.
Frequently asked questions
How are test results returned?
How to access the doctor portal?
How to order a PGx Multi Test?
Clinicians resources
Pharmacogenomic Tests Patient Brochure
View
Pharmacogenomics Medication
View
Tell your patients about PGx testing today
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing helps guide personalised medicationplans for a range of conditions. See our explainer that helps patients learnmore.
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Healius Pathology network

References

(1) Van Driest SL, ShiY, Bowton EA, Schildcrout JS, Peterson JF, Pulley J, Denny JC, Roden DM.Clinically actionable genotypes among 10,000 patients with preemptive pharmacogenomic testing. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Apr;95(4):423-31. doi:10.1038/clpt.2013.229. Epub 2013 Nov 19. PMID: 24253661; PMCID: PMC3961508.

(2) KomagamineJ. Prevalence of urgent hospitalizations caused by adverse drug reactions: across-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 13;14(1):6058. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-56855-z. PMID: 38480855; PMCID: PMC10937656.

(3) ChengY, Liu H, Yuan R, Yuan K, Yu S. Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on theresponse and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis ofrandomised controlled trials. General Psychiatry. 2023;36:e101050.

(4) Bergfeld IO, Mantione M, Figee M,Schuurman PR, Lok A, Denys D. Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. JAffect Disord. 2018 Aug 1;235:362-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.016. Epub2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29665520.

(5) Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR,Nierenberg AA, Stewart JW, Warden D, Niederehe G, Thase ME, Lavori PW, LebowitzBD, McGrath PJ, Rosenbaum JF, Sackeim HA, Kupfer DJ, Luther J, Fava M. Acuteand longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or severaltreatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;163(11):1905-17.doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905. PMID: 17074942.

(6) ChengY, Liu H, Yuan R, Yuan K, Yu S. Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on theresponse and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis ofrandomised controlled trials. General Psychiatry. 2023;36:e101050.

(7) Bergfeld IO, Mantione M, Figee M,Schuurman PR, Lok A, Denys D. Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. JAffect Disord. 2018 Aug 1;235:362-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.016. Epub2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29665520.

(8) Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR,Nierenberg AA, Stewart JW, Warden D, Niederehe G, Thase ME, Lavori PW, LebowitzBD, McGrath PJ, Rosenbaum JF, Sackeim HA, Kupfer DJ, Luther J, Fava M. Acuteand longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or severaltreatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;163(11):1905-17.doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905. PMID: 17074942.

(9) https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/Pharmacogenomic-Indications-in-Australia

(10) KomagamineJ. Prevalence of urgent hospitalizations caused by adverse drug reactions: across-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 13;14(1):6058. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-56855-z. PMID: 38480855; PMCID: PMC10937656.

(11) Sugarman, E.A.,Cullors, A., Centeno, J. et al. Contribution ofPharmacogenetic Testing to Modeled Medication Change Recommendations in aLong-Term Care Population with Polypharmacy. Drugs Aging 33,929–936 (2016).

(12) https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/Pharmacogenomic-Indications-in-Australia

(13) Van Driest SL, ShiY, Bowton EA, Schildcrout JS, Peterson JF, Pulley J, Denny JC, Roden DM.Clinically actionable genotypes among 10,000 patients with preemptivepharmacogenomic testing. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Apr;95(4):423-31. doi:10.1038/clpt.2013.229. Epub 2013 Nov 19. PMID: 24253661; PMCID: PMC3961508.

(14) Kimpton JE, Carey IM, Threapleton CJD, et al. Longitudinalexposure of English primary care patients to pharmacogenomic drugs: An analysisto inform design of pre-emptive pharmacogenomic testing. Br JClin Pharmacol. 2019; 85: 2734–2746.

(15) ChengY, Liu H, Yuan R, Yuan K, Yu S. Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on theresponse and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis ofrandomised controlled trials. General Psychiatry. 2023;36:e101050.

(16) Bergfeld IO, Mantione M, Figee M,Schuurman PR, Lok A, Denys D. Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. JAffect Disord. 2018 Aug 1;235:362-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.016. Epub2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29665520.

(17) Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR,Nierenberg AA, Stewart JW, Warden D, Niederehe G, Thase ME, Lavori PW, LebowitzBD, McGrath PJ, Rosenbaum JF, Sackeim HA, Kupfer DJ, Luther J, Fava M. Acuteand longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or severaltreatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;163(11):1905-17.doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905. PMID: 17074942.

(18) ChengY, Liu H, Yuan R, Yuan K, Yu S. Effectiveness of pharmacogenomics on theresponse and remission of treatment-resistant depression: a meta-analysis ofrandomised controlled trials. General Psychiatry. 2023;36:e101050.

(19) Bergfeld IO, Mantione M, Figee M,Schuurman PR, Lok A, Denys D. Treatment-resistant depression and suicidality. JAffect Disord. 2018 Aug 1;235:362-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.016. Epub2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29665520.

(20) Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR,Nierenberg AA, Stewart JW, Warden D, Niederehe G, Thase ME, Lavori PW, LebowitzBD, McGrath PJ, Rosenbaum JF, Sackeim HA, Kupfer DJ, Luther J, Fava M. Acuteand longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or severaltreatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;163(11):1905-17.doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905. PMID: 17074942.

(21) KomagamineJ. Prevalence of urgent hospitalizations caused by adverse drug reactions: across-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 13;14(1):6058. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-56855-z. PMID: 38480855; PMCID: PMC10937656.

(22) Bousman CA, Arandjelovic K, Mancuso SG,Eyre HA, Dunlop BW. Pharmacogenetic tests and depressive symptom remission: ameta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacogenomics. 2019Jan;20(1):37-47. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2018-0142. Epub 2018 Dec 6. PMID: 30520364.

(23) Sugarman, E.A.,Cullors, A., Centeno, J. et al. Contribution ofPharmacogenetic Testing to Modeled Medication Change Recommendations in aLong-Term Care Population with Polypharmacy. Drugs Aging 33,929–936 (2016).

(24) MacielA, Cullors A, Lukowiak AA, Garces J. Estimating cost savings of pharmacogenetictesting for depression in real-world clinical settings. Neuropsychiatr DisTreat. 2018 Jan 8;14:225-230. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S145046. PMID: 29386895; PMCID:PMC5764291.

(25) MacielA, Cullors A, Lukowiak AA, Garces J. Estimating cost savings of pharmacogenetictesting for depression in real-world clinical settings. Neuropsychiatr DisTreat. 2018 Jan 8;14:225-230. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S145046. PMID: 29386895; PMCID:PMC5764291.

(26) https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Practising-Pathology/Pharmacogenomic-Indications-in-Australia

(27) MacielA, Cullors A, Lukowiak AA, Garces J. Estimating cost savings of pharmacogenetictesting for depression in real-world clinical settings. Neuropsychiatr DisTreat. 2018 Jan 8;14:225-230. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S145046. PMID: 29386895; PMCID:PMC5764291.

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