How Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing Is Keeping Patients Safe
In healthcare, one size rarely fits all — especially when it comes to prescription drugs. Every person’s body processes medications differently, which means what works for one patient could be dangerous or ineffective for another. That’s where pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing comes in — a revolutionary tool that’s helping doctors, pharmacists, and patients make smarter, safer decisions.
What Is PGx Testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes a patient’s DNA to identify how they metabolize certain medications. It helps determine:
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Which drugs are likely to work best
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Which may cause severe side effects
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What dosage will be most effective
By understanding an individual’s genetic makeup, physicians can tailor treatments to each patient — reducing trial-and-error prescribing and improving outcomes.
Why It Matters for Patient Safety
Medication errors and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are among the most preventable causes of hospitalizations. According to the FDA, over 2 million serious ADRs occur in the U.S. each year, many linked to how patients process drugs differently.
PGx testing helps prevent these issues by alerting providers when a medication might be dangerous or ineffective based on a patient’s unique metabolism.
For example:
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Some people can’t properly metabolize painkillers like codeine, leading to overdoses or lack of pain relief.
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Certain antidepressants and blood thinners may require dosage adjustments to avoid toxicity or poor results.
With PGx testing, providers can catch these risks before they happen — keeping patients safer from day one.
A One-Time Test With Lifelong Benefits
PGx testing is a one-time test — your genetic results don’t change over your lifetime. Once completed, the results can be shared with every future healthcare provider and used to guide prescriptions for years to come.
This single test can help you:
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Avoid serious side effects
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Identify the most effective medications faster
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Reduce wasted time, money, and frustration from trial-and-error treatments
That’s why every patient should ask their doctor about PGx testing — not just those on multiple medications. Whether you’re starting a new prescription, taking chronic medications, or simply want to take control of your health, this test can provide peace of mind and protection that lasts a lifetime.
Empowering Better Healthcare Decisions
PGx testing doesn’t replace your doctor — it enhances their ability to make informed choices. When combined with clinical data, lab results, and patient history, it gives providers a complete picture of how to prescribe safely and effectively.
At Solidarity Health Network, we’re using PGx testing as part of our commitment to patient safety and cost control. By identifying the right drug and dose from the start, we’re helping our union members and retirees avoid unnecessary hospital visits, reduce medication waste, and improve their quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Pharmacogenomic testing is more than a new technology — it’s a new standard of care. It’s helping patients stay safe, helping doctors make better choices, and helping health plans reduce costs linked to adverse drug events.
Because when care is personal, outcomes are better.