Testing Services

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) Testing

A major contributor to an individual’s health is the genes they inherited from their parents. Through pharmacogenetic testing, a variety of information can be determined about a person including how they will metabolize and respond to certain medications. Our services allow providers to personalize their treatments for each patient to improve outcomes and raise the standard of care.

Pharmacogenetics testing identifies specific differences within an individual’s DNA and how those difference mays affect their response to certain medications. This information allows a provider to determine what may be the best match between a patient and their medications.

Benefits of PGx may include:

  • Reduced adverse drug events
  • Improves patient adherence to medication
  • Prevents trial and error approach to treating patients
  • Minimizes side effects by maximizing the drug-dose response relationship
  • Simple cheek swab collection is painless and needle-free
  • Color coded reports allows for quick visualization of problematic drugs
  • Proprietary algorithm identifies potential drug-to-drug interactions

 

 

One-Size

Physicians have been using the “One Size Fits All” and “Trial and Error” approaches when treating patients for decades

Fits-All

“Personalized Medicine” Physicians can see how a patient’s genetic makeup can influence how they respond to certain medications, even before they are prescribed.

HOW OUR TESTING PROCESS WORKS

Make-Appointment-Document

STEP 1

Physician orders
Pharmacogenetics
Tests
Collect-Saliva

STEP 2

Collect buccal swab collection

Microscope

STEP 3

Send to Gravity
Diagnostics Laboratories
Magnify

STEP 4

Run Pharmacogenetics
test on specimen
Results-Laptop

STEP 5

Analyze data and
generate report
Doctor

STEP 6

Physician reviews testresults with patient

Our Methodologies for Pharmacogenetics Testing

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AGENA MASSARRAY

Gravity utilizes the Agena MassARRAY system for its pharmacogenetics testing. The MassARRAY System uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization - time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for the precise detection of DNA molecules. Genetic variants are distinguished by analysis of their individual masses.

Buccal swabs are collected and the DNA present is isolated by Thermo Scientific KingFisher instruments. The isolated DNA is then amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA analyte is transferred to a SpectroCHIP where it crystalizes with the matrix. SpectroCHIP Arrays with crystalized analytes are then transferred to the MassARRAY MALDI-TOF analyzer, where they are irradiated by a laser, inducing desorption and ionization of molecules within a vacuum chamber. Positively charged DNA ions are accelerated and migrate through the vacuum tube at different speeds dependent on the mass of the ions, reaching a highly sensitive detector at different arrival times (time of flight). The MassARRAY System determines the mass based on the unique arrival times and displays a mass spectrum identifying the different genetic targets. The results are then uploaded, reviewed, and compiled into a report identifying impacted drug-gene interactions.

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