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Abstract
<p class="first" id="P1">Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing involves the analysis of genes
known to affect response
to medications. The field has been projected as a leading application of personalized
or precision medicine, but the use of PGx tests has been stymied, in part, by the
lack of clinical evidence of utility and reported low provider awareness. Another
factor is the availability of testing. The range and types of PGx tests available
have not been assessed to date. In the period September 2017–January 2018 we analyzed
the numbers and types of PGx tests offered by clinical testing laboratories in the
US. Of the 111 such labs that we identified, we confirmed that 76 offered PGx testing
services. Of these, 31 offered only tests for single genes; 30 offered only tests
for multiple genes; and 15 offered both types of tests. Collectively, 45 laboratories
offered 114 multigene panel tests covering 295 genes. The majority of these tests
did not have any clinical guidelines. PGx tests vary in type and makeup, which presents
challenges in appropriate test evaluation and selection for providers, insurers, health
systems, and patients alike.
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