Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing | Sanford Imagenetics

What is pharmacogenomics (PGx)?

Everyone responds to medicine differently.

Pharmacogenomics, also called pharmacogenetics, is the study of how people respond differently to medication based on their genetics.

A simple genetic test can tell you which medications may work for you with the fewest side effects. With the power of PGx, your doctor can develop a plan specifically for you.

Why should I go through genetic testing for medication?

Pharmacogenomic testing may be helpful for those who:

Have a history of or are currently experiencing medication side effects
Have a history of medications that did not work
Would like to learn which medications to avoid and which they may not respond to as expected

The results of your PGx test will give your pharmacist and doctor information that can help them decide which medications will work best for you – and with the fewest side effects.

View list of medications and genes

How do I schedule a PGx test?

After you talk with your doctor about your medications and pharmacogenomic testing, they can refer you to the pharmacogenomics team. Alternatively, you can call to make an appointment for yourself.

Call (605) 404-4000

Make a referral

PGx patient stories

“It’s been a win all the way around and a complete difference in our health and how we were responding to our medication.”
— Lori Layton

“It literally changed my life.”
— Hollie Scott

For Post-Graduate Pharmacists

PGY2 Residency Program in Pharmacogenomics

The Postgraduate Year Two Clinical Pharmacogenomics Residency Program at Sanford Imagenetics is designed to provide a structured and immersive residency experience. Located on Sanford Health’s main campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, our program gives residents and staff the ability to fully integrate their work with our primary care services and medical specialties.

Contact us or visit our Pharmacy Residency Program page to view more information.

More about pharmacogenomics

Factors that influence how your body processes medications

A variety of factors can influence how your body absorbs and processes medications. This chart identifies some of those factors.

Contact us to learn more.

How medication works differently for each patient

Patients absorb and process medications differently based on a variety of factors. Through PGx testing, we may be able to determine the medication and dose that best suits you.

Contact us to learn more.

Veterans & Military Members

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ PHASER Program, Sanford Imagenetics has expanded the PGx testing program to all U.S. military members and veterans.

If you’ve served in the U.S. military, you may qualify for a discount.

Contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in PGx testing?

Talk to Your Doctor. They can order testing on your behalf.

Call the PGx Clinic. Patients can schedule an in-person or virtual visit with the PGx clinic where a provider can order the test for you. Call (605) 404-4000 to schedule an appointment.

What happens after the PGx test is ordered?

First, you’ll provide a blood sample at any Sanford Lab.

After that, you’ll receive your results through My Sanford Chart.
Your results will be available within 14 days and sent to your ordering provider and the clinical pharmacy team. You can review your results any time by going to the “Menu” and selecting “Genetic Profile” at the bottom of the “My Record” section.

Finally, a pharmacist will review your PGx results.
A Sanford Health pharmacist will contact your provider regarding medication recommendations. When you receive your results, please do not stop your medication(s) or make any medical changes before consulting with your provider first.

Are there testing limitations?

Yes:

This test isn’t comprehensive and doesn’t identify all genetic variations or conditions.
This test does not provide information for all medications.
This test offers additional information for your provider to make clinical decisions and is not the only consideration in your treatment.

Please tell your provider if you have any of the following: