Pharmacogenetic Testing and Consult Service

The PGx-SParK Testing and Consult Service builds on the foundational work of the initial Pharmacogenetic-Supported Prescribing in Kids (PGx-SParK, 2020-2025) project and will develop and evaluate a sustainable, Alberta-specific strategy to incorporate PGx testing into standard pediatric mental health care.

Study participation is slightly different. While we still ask for things like consent, and information about youth demographics and medication use, there will be no follow-up surveys required apart from a short satisfaction survey. You will also have the chance to meet with a pharmacist for PGx education before and after the testing.

Yes, the referral form helps us determine if youth are eligible for the study. We will not accept self-referrals at this time. Please have your physician complete and send back our referral form.

Not all medications have genetic-based prescribing guidelines for selection and dosing. The test results can be used to guide prescribing of medications which have clear recommendations. The test is eligibility is limited to the following medications:

Amitriptyline, Aripiprazole, Atomoxetine, Brexpiprazole, Carbamazepine, Citalopram, Clobazam, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Doxepin, Escitalopram, Fluvoxamine, Haloperidol, Lamotrigine, Nortriptyline, Oxcarbazepine, Paroxetine, Pimozide, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Sertraline, Venlafaxine, Viloxazine, Vortioxetine.

The Pharmacogenetic Testing and Consult Service is only available to youth and young adults who reside in Alberta and/or have an Alberta Health Care Number. Results will be integrated into a person’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) for ease of prescribing if other health care providers are part of their care.

We mail a cheek swab to your home, with step-by-step instructions and an Alberta Precision Lab (APL) test requisition. Once the sample has been collected and placed back in the biohazard bag, the sample and test requisition can be dropped off at an APL collection site of your choosing. No appointment required!

The pharmacist is available to meet virtually before and after receiving pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing. The initial consult with the pharmacist will review the youth’s medication history, goals of treatment, PGx education, expectations and the plan for testing and results.  The pharmacist will provide interpretation of the results and recommendations for medication changes to the referring healthcare provider. The post-test consult with the pharmacist will review the pharmacogenetic test results, relevant interactions, medication recommendations and future considerations. The pharmacist will be available to youth, their caregivers and the referring healthcare provider at any time during the process to answer any questions that may arise.

Only the participant (youth) or participants caregiver, and healthcare providers involved in their care will have access to the pharmacogenetic report. Results will be integrated into youth’s Electronic Health Record for continued accessibility.