Pharmacogenetics Testing vs Pharmacogenomics Testing

Results suggest that drug therapy based on individuals’ genetic makeups may result in a clinically important reduction in adverse outcomes. Pharmacogenetic testing and research can reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions in the resulting clinical, societal, and economic implications.

“Genetics” focuses on single genes and their effects, whereas “genomics” refers to the action of all of the genes in an organism. Genomics also refers to a set of associated technologies (eg, high-throughput sequencing, expression profiling with microarrays). Genomics, in both senses, was largely born of the Human Genome Project—the effort to sequence the human genome.

To discover the difference if pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenetic testing,  Let’s explain this:

Pharmacogenetics: the effect of genetic variation on drug response, including disposition, safety and tolerability, and efficacy.

On the other hand:

Pharmacogenomics: the application of genome science (genomics) to the study of human variability in drug response.

Both tests are conducted in a physicians office and then sent to pharmacogenomic testing labs. The DNA testing process starts with a Buccal swab of the cheek which is painless and is just collecting saliva and dead skin cells, From there, the DNA sample is sent to DNA pharmacogenomics testing labs. 

The pharmacogenetic testing laboratories prepare a Pharm D report which shows which CYP 450 pathways can utilize certain medications. Why do pharmacogenetic testing? Not everyone can process medicine the same way. That is why it is essential that a test looks at the individual’s genetic blueprint. With accurate testing a doctor can prescribe medication to their patient by eliminating the medications and treatments that will have no effect or worse, will have an adverse effect on them.

The past decade has been a time of important change in pharmacogenomics. There is an increasingly clear understanding of the relationship between genetic variation and drug response, low-cost testing technologies are becoming available, and pharmacogenomics is playing an increasing role in drug development. Key stakeholders in the US healthcare system are responding to these changes in various fashions.