Medications come with a variety of side effects and potential outcomes that vary by the individual. If you or your doctor are worried about the impact a new prescription can have on your body, drug testing can provide insightful information regarding its efficiency. The guide below explores this process and its benefits in more detail.

What Is Medication Efficacy Testing?

Also known as pharmacogenetic testing, medication efficacy testing evaluates the way a particular drug will react with you based on your DNA makeup. Your physician can order drug testing before prescribing you a medication to determine if you will respond well to the treatment, which drastically reduces the need for trial and error.

How Is the Test Conducted?

When having this type of drug testing performed, a facility will collect a small saliva or blood sample against which medications can be evaluated. They will look for the effectiveness of the particular drug, what dose may be optimal for you, and any potential side effects that could result from taking it.

Are There Limitations?

While medication efficacy testing is continually evolving, it has not been perfected for all drugs, so talk to your doctor about whether or not it applies to your situation. Additionally, you cannot test one sample against multiple medications, so if more than one drug is questionable, you will need to provide additional biological material.

If you are interested in knowing how a medication reacts with your genetic make-up, turn to Artesia Drug & Alcohol Screening in Eddy County, New Mexico. The professionals on staff provide reliable and expedited services, ranging from DNA and drug testing to employee educational programs. To learn more about their list of services, visit them online. Or call (575) 746-3404 to set up an appointment today.