There is increasing interest in the use of PGx testing. However, currently, test results that can be used to alter clinical decision-making, and are clearly proven to improve clinical outcome, remain few. Nevertheless, consumers can now purchase a test and may ask pharmacy staff for help in acting on the results. 

Perhaps the most important role the pharmacy team has at this current time is to advise on the place of PGx tests, their usefulness, suitability and limitations. PGx is an exciting, developing field of pharmacology and precision medicine and is set to become an important aspect of prescribing in the future.

Reflective exercise

• What advice would you give when a customer asks if they should buy a DNA test that includes information on response to drugs?