Point-of-care genetic testing
Point-of-care genetic testing incorporates the newest most sophisticated techniques to identify variations in the genetic sequence at the bedside – enabling clinicians to react and alter therapy based upon the results.
Traditional genetic testing involves the analysis of chromosomes (DNA) in order to detect genotypes related to a heritable disease or phenotype of interest for clinical purposes. However, current testing methods require days to weeks before results are available limiting the clinical applicability of genetic testing in a number of circumstances.
Recently, the first point-of-care genetic test in medicine was demonstrated to be effective in identifying CYP2C19*2 carriers allowing tailoring of anti-platelet regimens to reduce high on treatment platelet reactivity [1]. Drs. Jason Roberts and Derek So from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute validated a pharmacogenomics approach in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome or stable coronary artery disease.
This study is the first in medicine to demonstrate that genetic testing can be incorporated into routine clinical care and decision making.