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Four leading laboratories that specialise in DNA testing, toxicology, gene copy number analysis, and more.

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Understanding DNA Testing and Toxicology.

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Simon Dean

Simon Dean

CMO

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How Accurate Is PGx?

How Accurate Is PGx?

Published 10/12/2025

Clinicians need confidence that pharmacogenetic testing provides reliable, actionable information. Modern PGx focuses on well-established CYP450 pathways — such as CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2B6 — enabling prescribers to anticipate how a patient will respond to common medicines.
When Statins Aren’t Enough: Using Pharmacogenomics to Justify PCSK9 Inhibitors

When Statins Aren’t Enough: Using Pharmacogenomics to Justify PCSK9 Inhibitors

Published 20/11/2025

Statins remain the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy in cardiovascular prevention. Whether you're prescribing simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin calcium, these drugs are widely used and well-supported by NICE guidelines. They work by blocking HMG-CoA reductase (the key enzyme in cholesterol production) and prompting the liver to increase LDL clearance.

What Is Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing?

What Is Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Testing?

Published 10/09/2025

Pharmacogenetic testing—often shortened to PGx testing—is a type of DNA test that shows how your body processes medicines. Instead of relying on trial and error, PGx can help your doctor choose the right medication and dose from the start. Whether you’re considering antidepressants, pain medication, or heart drugs, PGx testing at home in the UK makes personalised prescribing more accessible than ever.
How PGx Testing Can Help You

How PGx Testing Can Help You

Published 10/09/2025

Pharmacogenetic testing—also known as PGx testing—can reveal why some medicines work well for one person but not for another. If you’ve ever wondered why antidepressants, painkillers, or heart medicines affect people so differently, PGx offers the answer.
What Happens When You Take a PGx Test?

What Happens When You Take a PGx Test?

Published 10/09/2025

Pharmacogenetic testing—often called PGx testing—is quick, simple, and painless. Many patients in the UK are now exploring DNA cheek swab tests for medicines, including antidepressants, ADHD treatments, painkillers, and heart medications. If you’ve wondered what actually happens when you order a test, here’s what to expect.
Is PGx Testing Safe?

Is PGx Testing Safe?

Published 10/09/2025

Pharmacogenetic testing—also known as PGx testing—is completely safe and designed only to help your doctor personalise your medication. Many patients worry about privacy or whether a DNA test reveals more than they’d like. In reality, PGx testing looks only at genes that affect how you process medicines, and in the UK, results are protected under strict data privacy laws like GDPR.
Can PGx Testing Help with Medication Side Effects?

Can PGx Testing Help with Medication Side Effects?

Published 10/09/2025

If you’ve ever had side effects from medicines—things like nausea, dizziness, or fatigue—you know how disruptive they can be. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) can help explain why these reactions happen and, more importantly, help your doctor choose treatments that reduce the risk.
Non-Legal Paternity DNA Test vs Legal Paternity DNA Test

Non-Legal Paternity DNA Test vs Legal Paternity DNA Test

Published 05/09/2025

At AssureDNA, we specialise in peace-of-mind testing, while our parent company AttoLife provides Ministry of Justice-approved testing for use in UK courts. Both types of test use the same ISO17025-accredited laboratory and the same science—but the difference lies in how the samples are collected and whether the results can be used in legal proceedings.
Citalopram vs Sertraline: Which SSRI Is Right for You?

Citalopram vs Sertraline: Which SSRI Is Right for You?

Published 02/09/2025

Citalopram is often described as a “cleaner” SSRI because it mostly targets serotonin alone. It can be a good choice for anxiety, but at higher doses it sometimes carries a risk of affecting heart rhythm. Sertraline, on the other hand, also nudges dopamine a little — which can help with motivation and energy. It tends to have fewer issues with the heart and fewer drug–drug interactions.