Advanced Genetics Lab

A Clinical Pharmacogenetics Laboratory

Advanced Genetics Lab (AGL) is a clinical genetics laboratory. Many people may be familiar with personal genomics companies like 23andme. AGL is different than these labs. Instead of reporting on an individual’s geographic ancestry or propensity to develop a health condition, AGL reports on genes implicated in metabolism.

AGL is a CLIA certified, HIPAA compliant, laboratory located in Connecticut — specializing in high-complexity molecular genetic testing, and pharmacist mediated medication management. Being a PGx lab, AGL conducts tests which target specific genes that may be implicated with a person’s ability to metabolize a drug.

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is the combination of pharmacology and genetics. It involves the study of genetic variations which may influence an individual’s response to specific drugs. The goal of understanding drug to drug and gene to drug interactions is to improve the efficacy of prescribed medications and to reduce the occurrence of adverse drug reactions.

Everyone reacts to medication differently based on their genetic makeup. PGx attempts to understand an individual’s genes to make better prescribing decisions and help avoid unnecessary adverse reactions. In combination with personalized medication review by trained pharmacists, AGL delivers insights that help patients and physicians find the right treatment options.

In our current testing panels, targeting 17 specific genes for 60 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2 copy-number variation (CNV) locations, AGL reports on metabolism ability for over 250 types of drugs from 45 different drug classes.

Advanced Genetics Labs currently offers 4 specified test panels and one all-inclusive comprehensive panel. Our specialized panels include:

• Cardiology
• Mental Health
• Pain and Inflammation
• Oncology

PGx is a relatively new field, and many of these gene-drug interactions are not fully understood. This genetic testing is just one of many tools that can be used, in context, to help manage an individual’s medications.