What is the NowPatient Genetic Medicines Test?

The Genetic Medicines Test is a convenient at-home pharmacogenetic test that looks for gene variations affecting how your body processes certain medications. Once you receive your results, a licensed pharmacogenetics clinician will review them with you in a live video consultation. Your results can then help your doctor determine whether you metabolise a medication quickly, slowly, or at a typical rate — and whether your dosage or medication needs to be adjusted.

Why does pharmacogenetic testing matter?

In areas such as psychiatry, choosing the right antidepressant or antipsychotic often involves a period of trial and error. These medications can have limited effectiveness for some patients and may cause unwanted side effects, meaning a treatment may not work as well as it should. The Genetic Medicines Test helps your doctor personalise your treatment by adjusting the medication or dose based on your genetic makeup, improving both safety, effectiveness, and treatment outcomes.

Is this service available in the UK and the US?

Yes. This is the first private service of its kind in the UK and is also available to users in the United States. UK and US users access separate, accredited laboratory services, each meeting the relevant national standards.

How much does the Genetic Medicines Test cost?

The Genetic Medicines Test is currently a private, paid-for service. In the UK, NHS funding may become available in the future. In the US, coverage through your health insurance plan may be possible; however, this depends on your specific plan. Please check with your insurer.

Are my genetic results lifelong?

Yes. Your genetic results are lifelong. You will not need to retest your genetics for the same panel unless new genes are researched and added to the available tests. As testing evolves, you may be asked or wish to perform further Genetic Medicines Tests in the future. The laboratory reference sheet at the end of your report will be your best resource for determining whether additional testing could provide further benefits.

What types of medications are covered by the test?

The test analyses genes that process over 30% of all commonly prescribed medications, including many antidepressants and antipsychotics. Because some genes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are relevant to multiple drug classes, your results may also provide useful information about opioid pain medications, antipsychotics, proton pump inhibitors, and nerve pain medications — beyond the medication for which you were initially tested.

Which genes does NowPatient test?

NowPatient currently offers two gene panel tests. Our laboratory screens for genetic variations with a validated sensitivity of over 99%. The two gene panels we test are: CYP2C19 CYP2D6 These enzymes play a key role in processing more than 30% of commonly prescribed medications, including many antidepressants and antipsychotics.

What is CYP2C19 and why does it matter?

CYP2C19 is an enzyme involved in breaking down 5–10% of commonly prescribed medications. It is controlled by the CYP2C19 gene, and variations in this gene can affect how well the enzyme works. Around 3–6% of people of European and African ancestry, and 13–23% of Asian populations, have a slower-acting form of the enzyme, making them poor metabolisers. Testing for CYP2C19 gene variants tells your doctor whether the standard dose of a medication is appropriate for you, or whether it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

What is CYP2D6 and why does it matter?

CYP2D6 is an important enzyme responsible for metabolising about 25% of all prescription medications. This enzyme is regulated by the CYP2D6 gene, and genetic differences can significantly affect how well it functions. Testing for CYP2D6 gene variants tells your doctor whether the usual dosage is appropriate for you, or whether it needs to be adjusted or changed.

What is a fast or slow metaboliser?

Your rate of drug metabolism influences how your body processes medication. There are five metaboliser statuses: poor, intermediate, normal, rapid, and ultra-rapid. Fast metabolisers break down drugs too quickly, which can reduce effectiveness. Slow metabolisers process drugs too slowly, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity at standard doses. By identifying your metaboliser status, your doctor can decide whether the standard dose of a medication is appropriate, or whether it needs to be adjusted or switched to a more suitable option.

If I am recommended both tests, do I need to do both?

Yes. If your medication is sensitive to both CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, NowPatient recommends you have both panels tested. Both genes can influence how your body metabolises antidepressants, for example. Testing only one gene panel would not give you conclusive information about how your body processes your medication, because the other panel's influence would remain unknown.

What is the sensitivity of the laboratory testing?

Our laboratory screens for genetic variations with a validated sensitivity of over 99%.

How do I check whether I am eligible for the Genetic Medicines Test?

The Genetic Medicines Test Service Card is located in the ‘Private Care’ section of your account homepage. From the Options Menu on the card, select ‘Check Eligibility’. You can then check whether your medication is influenced by your genes in one of two ways: Eligibility Checker: Complete a quick screening assessment to check whether your medication is covered by the test(s). Automatic AI eligibility check: If you have given NowPatient access to your medication records, an automatic AI eligibility check will run. If you qualify, you will receive a notification. If you qualify, you can select ‘View Test’ to learn more, or ‘Add to Cart’ to proceed directly.

How do I complete my purchase?

Once you have confirmed eligibility, complete your purchase by following these checkout steps: Go to your Cart using the account navigation Select ‘Checkout’ Select your delivery address Select your delivery method Confirm your billing address Review your order Submit payment Order confirmed Return to your account homepage

What happens after I have placed my order?

Once your order is confirmed, the journey from kit delivery to results follows these steps: Kit delivery: Your Genetic Medicines Test Kit will be delivered to your home or preferred delivery address. Collect your sample at home: Follow the step-by-step instructions included in the kit to collect your sample. Return your sample: Place your sample in the prepaid return packaging provided and post it back to our laboratory. All samples are fully tracked. Results are processed: Once your sample is received and analysed, you will receive a notification when your results are ready. Results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day the laboratory receives your sample. Your results will appear in your Documents Folder but will remain locked until after your consultation. Book your consultation: When you receive your results notification, a ‘Book Consultation’ button will appear within the notification, allowing you to schedule your live video consultation. View your results: After your consultation, your results and any referral letter issued will be available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section of your account homepage to view, download, and share with any healthcare provider.

How do I return my sample?

A prepaid return packaging system is included with every kit. Place your collected sample inside and send it from any Royal Mail post box (UK customers) or USPS collection point (US customers). All samples are fully tracked.

How long will my results take?

Results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day the laboratory receives your sample. Once your results are ready, you will receive a notification prompting you to book your clinician consultation.

How do I book my clinician consultation?

Once you receive notification that your results are ready, follow these seven steps to book your live video consultation: Initiate booking: Select ‘Book Consultation’ from within the results notification. Choose a date: Select your preferred consultation date and add any notes that might assist the clinician. Click ‘Continue’. Choose a time: Select your preferred consultation time from the available slots and click ‘Continue’. Choose a clinician: View available genetics clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter by gender and spoken languages. Click ‘Continue’. Review your booking: Check your booking summary and read the ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’ advisory for guidance on how to prepare. Click ‘Continue’. Safety information and reminders: Provide your consultation address and emergency contact details. You can opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment. Confirm your booking: Click ‘Confirm Booking’. A confirmation pop-up will appear and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You will also receive in-app and push notifications confirming the appointment.

What happens during the consultation?

Your live video consultation with a licensed specialist genetics clinician is structured around five stages: Introduction and identity verification: The clinician introduces themselves and confirms your identity to ensure privacy and confidentiality. They explain what the Genetic Medicines Test is designed to do: identifying genetic variations that can affect how you metabolise or respond to specific medications. Review of your test results: The clinician walks you through your results in clear, non-technical language, covering your metaboliser status (poor, intermediate, normal, rapid, or ultra-rapid), which genes were tested (CYP2D6, CYP2C19), and how your gene variants may affect your response to your medications. Personalised interpretation and recommendations: The clinician reviews what your results mean in relation to the medications you are currently taking. If the results suggest that a medication or dosage may not be suitable for your genetic profile, the clinician may recommend that your doctor reviews your prescription. A referral letter including your test results will be sent to your doctor if this is the case. Your questions answered: You will have dedicated time to ask questions and discuss any concerns. The goal is to ensure you fully understand your gene and medication status and what your next steps are. Post-consultation summary: After the consultation, you will receive a notification summarising the key outcomes and confirming whether a referral letter to your GP was issued. If a referral was made, a copy of the letter will be available in the Documents Folder. Your test results will also be unlocked for you to view, download, and share. If your current medications are unaffected by your genetic profile, the consultation will conclude without the need for changes or further action.

Where do I find my results after the consultation?

After your consultation, your results and any referral letter issued will be available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section of your account homepage. You can view, download, and share them with any healthcare provider. Before your consultation, your results will appear in the Documents Folder but remain locked.

Are my results confidential?

Yes. NowPatient follows strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which came into force in May 2018, placing legal requirements on us to manage your personal data securely and with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of all processing carried out, and any regulatory breaches are reported as required. Our platform is also HIPAA-compliant, meaning Protected Health Information (PHI) for US customers is handled securely.

What is the evidence base behind the Genetic Medicines Test?

NowPatient’s testing is based on evidence from the CPIC (Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium) at https://cpicpgx.org/. The medications available for testing have a PharmGKB (https://www.pharmgkb.org/) Clinical Annotation Level of evidence of 1A, 1B, 2A, or 2B, and a CPIC level status of ‘final’. CPIC level A and level B gene/drug pairs have sufficient evidence for at least one prescribing action to be recommended. Only those gene/drug pairs that have been the subject of sufficient in-depth review of evidence are given the CPIC assignment level of ‘final’.

Is the UK laboratory accredited?

Yes. For UK users, our German laboratory complies with the fundamental guidelines for quality assurance in clinical laboratory testing set out by the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer). The laboratory meets all requirements of DIN EN ISO 15189:2014, established within an integrated quality management system based on certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and the requirements of the Rili-BAK (2019). All consumables used for sample collection are procured in the UK and certified with conformance standards bodies.

Is the US laboratory accredited?

Yes. For US users, our American laboratory is CLIA-certified and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

What clinical decision support is used?

Both the UK and US services utilise Clinical Decision Support (CDS) software based on the evidence base of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC).

What are the limitations of the Genetic Medicines Test?

The Genetic Medicines Test is a powerful tool for personalising your care, but it is important to understand its limitations: Not all medications are covered: The test is designed to identify specific gene–drug interactions primarily involving CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. Many medications are broken down through other biological pathways and will not be covered. You can check whether your medication is eligible using the eligibility checker. Negative Predictive Test (NPT): It is possible that the results will not help you and your doctor in managing your care. Even if the results narrow down medication choices, this does not guarantee that those medicines will work for you. There may still be some trial and error involved in finding the most effective treatment. Only one part of the medication selection process: Genetics is one of many factors taken into consideration when selecting a medication. Drug–drug interactions, kidney and liver function, age, weight, and diet can all also play a role. May not catch rare variations: Genetic Medicines testing does not evaluate the entire gene. We look for changes known to affect how you respond to a drug. You may have a gene change that is not tested for, which could mean a normal test result despite differences in how you respond to medications. As more research is completed, different tests may become available. Genes with limited evidence: The test gives results for many genes, but our clinicians will only make recommendations for genes with sufficient research to support medication selection guidance. Genes not currently discussed may become clinically important in the future as more evidence emerges.

Could my genetic test results affect my insurance coverage?

If you have concerns about the risks of genetic testing with respect to insurance coverage, NowPatient refers you to the UK Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-on-genetic-testing-and-insurance. This code bars employers and health insurers from discrimination based on genetic testing results.

Will the test reveal whether I am at risk of certain diseases?

No. This test does not look at disease risk or other health factors. Genetic Medicines testing only looks at genes and their relation to how you respond to certain medications. It is not a diagnostic test for any medical condition.

How do I check if I’m eligible for a video consultation?

Video consultations are suitable for most patients who do not need a physical examination. They may not be appropriate if you require hands-on physical examination or need laboratory tests that cannot be done remotely. Video consultations are not a substitute for your regular doctor if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.

How do I complete my health profile?

Before booking, ensure your health profile is up to date. Your clinician will use this information to provide safe, personalised care. You may need to provide current medications and supplements, known allergies and adverse reactions, existing medical conditions, previous surgeries or hospitalisations, family medical history (where relevant), current symptoms or health concerns, height and weight (for BMI calculation), and blood pressure readings (where required).

How do I check my device is ready for a video consultation?

Make sure NowPatient has permission to access your camera and microphone, you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection, and you are using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC.

How do I select a service?

Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the relevant Service Card on your homepage. Follow the prompts for the service you need (e.g., NHS Pharmacy First, Weight Loss, Buying Treatments Online). Please remember, some services have eligibility requirements before you can book a consultation.

How do I choose a date for my appointment?

Select your preferred consultation date. You can add notes at this stage to help the clinician prepare for your session. Click Continue.

How do I choose a time for my appointment?

Select your preferred appointment time from the available slots and click Continue. Slots are available up to 7 days in advance.

How do I choose a clinician?

Browse available clinicians trained for your chosen service. You can filter by gender or spoken languages. Each clinician's full name, licence number, and specialist credentials are displayed. Select your preferred clinician and click Continue.

How do I review my booking?

Check the summary of your appointment and read the Pre-consultation Requirements for tips on how to prepare. Click Continue.

What safety information do I need to provide?

Enter your consultation address (where you will be during the call) and emergency contact details. You can also opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.

How do I confirm my booking?

Click Confirm Booking. You will receive an in-app confirmation pop-up, push and in-app notifications, and a confirmation email with details of what to expect.

How do I take my blood pressure via the app?

Some services require a recent blood pressure reading before your consultation. If prompted, open the blood pressure tool in the NowPatient app, read and agree to the disclaimer, enter your age, height, and gender, and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool uses your smartphone's front-facing camera — no cuff or wearable required. Classified as a Class I Medical Device (CE and UKCA certified). Available on iOS and Android only.

How do I join my video consultation?

At your scheduled time, open the NowPatient app and join your consultation.

How does identity verification work?

Your clinician will introduce themselves and verify your identity. Please have your ID ready.

What declarations do I need to confirm?

You will be reminded that you must complete the consultation for yourself, disclose all medical conditions, illnesses, and operations, disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking, and provide accurate and honest responses throughout. Withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health.

What happens during my clinical assessment?

Your clinician will carry out an assessment relevant to your chosen service. Depending on the service, this may lead to issuance of a prescription (added to your cart), guided counselling, discussion of test results, or general health advice.

What does it mean to consent to inform my doctor?

With your consent, your clinician may inform your regular doctor of the consultation outcome. NowPatient strongly recommends agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care.

How will I receive my post-consultation summary?

You will receive a notification summarising the outcome of your appointment, any referrals made to your doctor, and any advice given by your clinician. If a referral letter was issued, you can view it in the Documents section of your account.

How do I complete my order if treatment was prescribed?

If your clinician prescribed a treatment, go to your Cart, complete any payment exemptions (such as NHS Exemption Declaration if applicable), select Checkout, choose your delivery address and method, confirm your billing address, review your order and submit payment. Your order will be sent to NowPatient’s licensed online pharmacy for processing and dispatch.

How do I complete the feedback survey?

You may receive a short survey about your experience. NowPatient encourages all patients to complete it — your feedback helps improve the service for everyone.

How do I cancel a video consultation, and what happens if I miss my appointment?

To cancel an appointment: Go to the Consultations section of your account. Select Upcoming Consultations. Choose the appointment you wish to cancel. Click Cancel and confirm. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Missed appointments: After two missed appointments, your booking rights will be temporarily revoked. Contact the NowPatient support desk if you believe this was applied in error.

How do I contact NowPatient for help and support?

Contact Method Details UK Phone +44 20 388 51 500 US Phone 1-866-967-1977 Email support@nowpatient.com Hours (UK) Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm GMT Hours (US) Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm EST Support https://nowpatient.com/how-virtual-consultations-work

How will my order be delivered?

All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging, making them suitable for delivery to your home, workplace, or a neighbour. For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any address you choose.

Where does NowPatient deliver?

NowPatient delivers to the UK, Europe, and worldwide. NHS services (such as NHS Online Pharmacy and NHS Pharmacy First) are available to patients in England only. Our private services and online pharmacy are available across the UK, with international shipping available to European and worldwide addresses. Please note that some remote or rural postcodes may experience slightly longer delivery times, and tracking availability for worldwide orders may vary depending on the destination country.

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Genetic Tests Eligibility

Could Your DNA Be Affecting How Your Medication Works? Check Now

NowPatient CYP2C19 Genetic Medicines Test DNA collection kit box, used to check how your DNA affects your medication.

Use the eligibility checker to see if you would benefit from a Genetic Medicines Test.

Receive a FREE video consultation with a Pharmacogenetics Clinician who will explain the results. You will also receive a detailed report to share with your doctor, helping them personalize dosages, reduce side effects, and improve treatment outcomes.

Genetic Medicine Tests

View the Tests We Offer That Show How Your DNA Affects the Way You Process Your Medications.

CYP2C19
- →Know your drug-metabolism rates
- →Get personalised dosing
- →Improved therapeutic outcomes
- →Reduced side-effects
From £741.12
CYP2D6
- →Know your drug-metabolism rates
- →Get personalised dosing
- →Improved therapeutic outcomes
- →Reduced side-effects
From £741.12

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Wow! Excellent customer service. I submitted an email query, had a call back within 30 minutes and a consultation arranged for that evening. Amiss was completely brilliant! Very knowledgeable, very relatable and very professional. Answered all my questions and came up with a plan .... medication was posted out to me the next day. Very happy, totally recommend this service, would have given 10 stars 🌟 if I could.
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I do not leave reviews, due to time and a rare condition I have. I initially left a message, my call was returned within 2 hours or less. NowPatient offers 4 discount programs. I worked with Jay, he was genuine and wanted to help me all while giving me amazing customer service. Even though I didn't qualify, he gave me some suggestions and tips while encouraging me to follow up with the manufacturer along with other things I could do. This is the real deal, not a scam, and not a waste of your time. Amazing!! Thank you, Jay!
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Cannot speak highly enough of the service and assistance I have received from NowPatient. I was dealing with a very kind and helpful clinician who couldn't do enough to assist. He was knowledgeable about the medication being prescribed and the consultation was thorough. There were some hurdles to overcome to receive the medication overseas and nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.
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We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in regulated health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process