Frequently Asked Questions by topic
Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health, Pain Management and Cardio Tests
Generally, these two terms can be used interchangeably. They refer to the same science, but pharmacogenetics refers to the study of the impact of a specific gene on how we respond to medications, while pharmacogenomics is the broader term that studies the impact of the entire genome on response to medication.
DNA is the source of all the proteins that make up our bodies, including the therapeutic targets of drugs and the enzymes that process them for easy removal. Therefore, variations in our DNA code influence the effects of medications. By looking closely at the DNA code, it is possible to better predict the optimal doses, effectiveness, and risk of adverse effects of medications.
The genetic data collected can guide your doctor towards the best treatment options and avoid prescribing drugs that are less compatible for you, thereby reducing your trial-and-error process with different treatments and speeding up your recovery.
No, but we recommend obtaining one. In addition, with a prescription, sales tax will not be charged. The words "Pharma Profile", "pharmacogenomic test" or "genetic analysis for medication" as well as your diagnosis(es) (e.g. ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, etc.) must appear on the prescription for it to be valid. A prescription written for a specific medication (ex: Ritalin) is not valid.
Some insurers may require a prescription for reimbursement of your test.
Coverage for genetic testing depends on your private insurance and plan. A prescription may be required. If so, make sure your prescription states "pharmacogenetic test" or "pharmacogenomic test".
If you have a health spending account in your insurance plan, you may be able to use this account to cover the cost of this test. We recommend that you contact your insurance company for more information about your coverage.
Make sure the amount of saliva is close to the lines shown before closing the lid which will release the blue liquid. When the blue liquid is added, the tube should be ¾ full. If there is too much saliva for the amount of stabilizing fluid, your sample will no longer be good when it arrives at the lab.
No. Taking any prescribed or non-prescribed product will not affect the pharmacogenomic test. In any case, it is not recommended to stop or modify your current treatments without the approval of a healthcare professional. It is therefore advised to continue your treatments as recommended by your healthcare professional.
The recommendations included in our reports are supported by peer-reviewed scientific publications. Some recommendations may also come directly from clinical guidelines, drug labels issued by Health Canada and other organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biron ensures that the information in your report comes from credible scientific sources that are experts in the field.
Why does the report indicate " normal exposure*, " normal efficacy* " or " normal risk* " for some medications?
We include results for these medications because they are among the drugs used in mental health, pain management, and for cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a literature review and determined that, for the time being, no PGx recommendation can be made. It is important for the physician or pharmacist to know that the drug has been evaluated and not forgotten. In the future, as science advances, recommendations may be added for these medications.
Your results are good for life. Since your genetic code does not change, your results will be the same whether you take the test at the age 7 or 70. However, science evolves, and it is possible that the interpretation of your results will change over time. Periodically, your report will be updated, at no extra cost, when new pharmacogenomic recommendations become available for the genes and alleles already tested. This ensures that you and your healthcare professional benefit from the most advanced scientific information available. Additional fees may apply if further genetic testing is required.
Since many factors influence the response to medications, following the recommendations in your report will not completely eliminate the possibility that your body may not respond optimally to certain medications. By following the recommendations in your report, you will reduce your risk of unwanted side effects from medication and increase your chances of getting effective treatment.
The report contains an interpretation of the results based on independent scientific studies and guidelines. The genetic analyses from which recommendations are made are validated and 99.99% reliable. Validation of a laboratory analysis is done using control samples with known results.No. We do not sequence your entire genome as this method would give us too much information that we do not need. We use a technique called "genotyping" which consists of analyzing only the parts of your DNA that we need to produce our report. Our tests are pharmacogenomic analyses that aim to tell you which medications among a fixed list are potentially at risk of adverse side effects or therapeutic failure, based on your genetics.
Therefore, we do not test for rare or hereditary diseases or do genetic sequencing.
While a pharmacogenomic test helps predict how you will respond to different medications, there are many other factors that also play a role. By having access to your results, your healthcare professional will be able to put them in context with your overall health, allowing for better decision making.
Download the guide to complete and bring with you on your next visit to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the gut Essential and Complete Tests
The Biron Microbiome Test provides an accurate picture of the bacteria that inhabit your gut and their influence on your digestion and overall well-being. Through in-depth scientific analysis, you'll receive personalized recommendations to help you adopt dietary and lifestyle habits that truly support your health.
The box contains a sample collection tube labelled with a barcode. Follow the instructions in the box and collect your sample. Then, return it in the prepaid envelope. Your results will be available within 6 weeks.
DNA is the source of all the proteins that make up our bodies, including the therapeutic targets of drugs and the enzymes that process them for easy removal. Therefore, variations in our DNA code influence the effects of medications. By looking closely at the DNA code, it is possible to better predict the optimal doses, effectiveness, and risk of adverse effects of medications.
Your report will include:
An overall score on your microbiome health on a scale of 0 to 100
A summary of key indicators related to your microbiome health
What to look out for and potentially harmful bacteria
Personalized recommendations on diet and supplements tailored to your microbiome
No. This test is not designed to diagnose, screen, treat, or cure any medical condition. It is used for informational purposes only, and its results should be interpreted with caution. No medical treatment, or major lifestyle change should be initiated, modified, or discontinued without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
The report does not replace culture or PCR testing used to diagnose gastrointestinal infections. Nor is it an alternative to specificclinical tests, such as the tests for the investigation of inflammatory bowel diseases nor for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO).
The analysis focuses only on bacterial species associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, according to scientific literature. The species in this report are based on the best evidence currently available. However, the field of the gut microbiome is constantly evolving and remains an emerging area from a medical perspective. Interpretations must, therefore, be considered in context with the most recent scientific knowledge and do not replace clinical judgment. The absence of abnormal results does not exclude the presence of symptoms, and vice versa. The influence of an imbalanced microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can vary from one individual to another.
The gut microbiome is influenced by several factors, such as diet, medications, and the intake of supplements. Any recent interventions may alter the results. It is recommended to take the test before and after any significant intervention. Neither the test provider nor its partners can be held responsible for decisions made based on the results.
Analysis methods, results, and bacterial species assessed may evolve based on scientific advances. By taking this test, the patient consents to the anonymization of their data and its use for research purposes, without commercial use or sharing with third parties without their explicit consent. The patient acknowledges the limitations of the test and releases the provider from any liability related to the interpretation of results or use of their data.
A breath test is required to diagnose SIBO, and our microbiome test cannot replace it. However, research has shown that some bacteria associated with SIBO can also be detected in stool. The microbiome test can identify SIBO-related bacteria that may be overrepresented in your gut.
No, our tests focus exclusively on microbiome analysis and do not measure calprotectin, the presence of occult blood in stool, metabolites, or other inflammatory biomarkers. However, our in-depth microbiome analysis can identify functions and areas of your gut that are heavily influenced by your microbiome. The summary sections in the report are designed to guide you and help you understand aspects of your gut health that may be imbalanced, along with possible.
If your doctor suspects a gut infection, they may order a stool test, which can involve culturing bacteria or using other methods to detect viruses or parasites. Other tests are conducted using a molecular technique called qPCR to identify key bacteria in the gut and other pathogens commonly responsible for gastrointestinal infections. The microbiome test can detect all the bacteria present in your stool but is not intended to diagnose a gastrointestinal infection.
Yes, certain symptoms may indicate that a microbiome test is not appropriate at the moment such as:
Recent and persistent changes in your bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, or unusual pain during bowel movements)
Presence of blood in the stool (black or bright red stools)
Bleeding after bowel movements
Acute abdominal pain or severe abdominal cramps
Unexplained weight loss or unexplained nutritional deficiencies
Persistent fever
Signs of systemic inflammation (tachycardia, tachypnea)
Cognitive decline (amnesia, agnosia, aphasia, apraxia)
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional immediately. If you would like to schedule a private consultation with a doctor at Biron, please contact us at 1-855-657-5458.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nutrition Test
Yes, you can combine this test with any other test offered by Biron Genetics. Make your selection in the online store to see the available options and get the best bundled price.
A single saliva sample is enough to perform all the tests, whatever the number.
The coverage of genetic tests depends on your private insurance plan.
A prescription could be required.
If you have a wellness spending account in your insurance plan, you could use this account to cover the cost of this test. We recommend that you contact your insurance company for more information on your coverage.
No. The Nutrition profile is not a diagnostic test. However, the Nutrition profile is a tool for finding out whether you are genetically predisposed to developing lactose intolerance or an immune response to gluten. In this way, the Nutrition profile complements a diagnostic test. If your risk proves to be high, this may warrant further investigation.
Unfortunately, we cannot make recommendations about nutrients that are not currently on the list. If a nutrient is not on the list, it means that the current scientific evidence is insufficient to predict response and make recommendations. Nonetheless, you might be able to discuss nutrients that are not in the profile during your consultation with the nutritionist, a service included in this Profile.
No. Taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medication will have no influence on the pharmacogenomic test. However, it is not advisable to stop or modify your current treatments without the approval of a healthcare professional. We therefore recommend that you continue your treatments as directed by your healthcare professional.
The nutrigenomic test is not a clinical test, i.e. it cannot be used to establish a diagnosis or recommend any treatment; this is why the report is marked "For research purposes only". The information contained in the report may be used to guide your dietary choices, but it does not constitute a dietary plan.
The report does not replace culture or PCR testing used to diagnose gastrointestinal infections. Nor is it an alternative to specificclinical tests, such as the tests for the investigation of inflammatory bowel diseases nor for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO).
The analysis focuses only on bacterial species associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, according to scientific literature. The species in this report are based on the best evidence currently available. However, the field of the gut microbiome is constantly evolving and remains an emerging area from a medical perspective. Interpretations must, therefore, be considered in context with the most recent scientific knowledge and do not replace clinical judgment. The absence of abnormal results does not exclude the presence of symptoms, and vice versa. The influence of an imbalanced microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can vary from one individual to another.
The gut microbiome is influenced by several factors, such as diet, medications, and the intake of supplements. Any recent interventions may alter the results. It is recommended to take the test before and after any significant intervention. Neither the test provider nor its partners can be held responsible for decisions made based on the results.
Analysis methods, results, and bacterial species assessed may evolve based on scientific advances. By taking this test, the patient consents to the anonymization of their data and its use for research purposes, without commercial use or sharing with third parties without their explicit consent. The patient acknowledges the limitations of the test and releases the provider from any liability related to the interpretation of results or use of their data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mybiron Account
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