Genetic test
GeneSight® genetic testing
The GeneSight® test is a pharmacogenomic test: a simple cheek swab that analyzes genetic variations that may influence how you metabolize or respond to certain medications. INPM offers it to help providers make more informed, personalized medication decisions for conditions such as migraine, traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
What is GeneSight® testing?
INPM offers GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing to help providers make more informed, personalized medication treatment decisions. The test analyzes genetic variations that may influence how a patient metabolizes or responds to certain medications, including medications used in neurological and psychiatric care.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genes affect the way your body responds to certain medicines. Testing is available only for certain medicines, and your provider reads the results together with other information about your condition.
Who may it help?
For patients receiving treatment for conditions such as migraines, traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions involving the nervous system, GeneSight results may provide additional information to help guide medication selection and dosing when applicable.
Migraine and headacheMigraine specialist care from neurologists in Walnut Creek and Vallejo, CA: symptoms, when to see a doctor, diagnosis and treatment options. By referral.Learn more about Migraine and headache
Traumatic brain injuryA traumatic brain injury neurologist at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo: TBI symptoms, evaluation, cognitive testing and follow-up care. By referral.Learn more about Traumatic brain injury
StrokeA stroke neurologist at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo for follow-up and prevention: warning signs, carotid and transcranial Doppler and bubble study.Learn more about Stroke
Seizures and epilepsySee a seizure doctor at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo: how epilepsy is diagnosed, in-office routine and sleep-deprived EEG, and treatment. By referral.Learn more about Seizures and epilepsy
NeuropathyNeuropathy doctors and specialists at INPM in Walnut Creek and Vallejo: symptoms of nerve damage, in-office skin biopsy and autonomic testing, treatment.Learn more about Neuropathy
How is the test done?
Before
No special preparation is usually needed. For a cheek swab, you may be asked to rinse your mouth first.
During
A soft swab is rubbed on the inside of your cheeks to collect cells. The GeneSight test can be collected in a provider’s office or with a kit at home.
After
The sample is analyzed in the GeneSight laboratory. The results are sent to your provider, usually within a few days after the lab receives the sample, and your provider can share a copy with you.
What do the results show?
The results describe how your genes may affect certain medications, so your provider can take them into account when choosing a medication or its dose.
Is it safe?
A cheek swab carries no risk
Yes. The GeneSight test involves:
- A swab of the inside of your cheeks
- No needles and no blood draw
- No radiation and no medicines
- No recovery time
How long does it take, and when are results ready?
- How long it takes
- A quick cheek swab
- When results are ready
- Sent to your provider, usually within a few days after the lab receives the sample
- Insurance
- Coverage depends on your plan. Please check with your insurance company.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
01What is a GeneSight test?
GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test that uses a simple cheek swab to look at genetic variations that may affect how you metabolize or respond to certain medications. Your provider uses the results, together with other information about your condition, to help choose a medication and its dose.
02Does the GeneSight test tell me which medication will work best?
No. The results do not show which medication will work best, and they do not diagnose any condition or show medication allergies or drug-drug interactions. They give your provider additional information to help guide medication selection and dosing when applicable.
03Is the GeneSight test covered by insurance?
Some government and commercial insurance plans cover the GeneSight test. Coverage depends on your plan, so please check with your insurance company.
Referral required
Start with a referral from your doctor
New patients are seen by referral. Your primary care physician can fax the referral to (707) 980-6692 or send it through EPIC, and our office will call you to schedule.
- Referral fax (707) 980-6692
- EPIC referral
- We call you to schedule