Is GeneSight Testing a Blood Test or a Cheek Swab?

Have you ever taken a medicine that did not work? It happens. You try a new medication and wait for weeks, only to find that nothing changes. Sometimes, the medicine even makes you feel different, leaving you frustrated and wishing your provider had a magic wand to pick the perfect treatment right from the start.
Many people fear needles - just the thought of a needle makes them want to run away. When they hear the word "test," they might picture a tourniquet wrapped tightly around their arm as they close their eyes, hold their breath, and brace for a sharp pinch.
You can relax - GeneSight test is not a blood test. It is a simple, painless cheek swab that requires no needle, causes no pain, and eliminates the fear of sitting in a scary provider’s chair. Let’s learn about how this easy test works, why providers use it, and why it can improve your health. ‍

What Is GeneSight Testing?

Every individual has unique genetic makeup. These genes act as internal instructions, dictating not only how your body functions day-to-day, but also how it processes and metabolizes medications.
Some people metabolize medicines quickly.  If this happens, the medication might not do its job at all. The medicine is eliminated by the body before it helps. Other people can metabolize medications very slowly, which means the medicine stays in your system for too long. This build-up is exactly what makes you experience side effects or potentially feel worse. GeneSight testing interprets the individual’s genetic predisposition to metabolism of psychiatric medication. GeneSight results tell your provider how your body reacts to psychiatric medicines.
Traditionally, finding the right medication can take months of frustrating trial and error. You try one option and wait, only for it to fail, leaving you feeling exhausted and hopeless as the cycle repeats. With this test, your provider gets a clear map. They can see what works right away.

Is It a Blood Test or a Cheek Swab?

We know the big question on your mind - does GeneSight testing hurt?
The answer is “no.” Your provider will use a small stick - similar to a soft cotton swab you might have in your bathroom at home - and gently rub the tip on the inside of your cheek for just a few seconds. That's it - no band-aids and no tears. Even young kids can undergo GeneSight testing without any pain.

Why a Cheek Swab Works So Well

How can a small cheek swab tell a provider about your reaction to psychiatric medications?
The inside of your mouth is full of loose, small cells. When the cotton rubs the inside of your cheek, it obtains some of those small cells. DNA - which holds your unique genetic code - is inside all of these cells.
GeneSight’s lab will then analyze your DNA from the swab - this keeps you happy and comfortable. It also gives your provider the answers they need to help you feel better. Everyone wins !

How the Process Works

Taking a GeneSight test is very easy.  In fact, it takes less time than brushing your teeth. Here’s how the process works:

• You talk to your provider about your sad or worried feelings.

• The provider decides the test is a good idea as part of your treatment plan.

• They open a clean, soft cotton swab.

• They rub the swab inside your cheek for a few seconds.

• The swab goes safely into a tiny plastic tube.

• The tube travels via FedEx to a lab.

• The lab analyzes your DNA to write a special report.

• Your provider receives the detailed report in a few days.

In some cases, you can even do the swab at home. Your provider will provide a small kit so you can swab your cheek in the comfort of your own home and simply drop the sealed container at your nearest FedEx office.

Reading the Color Report

When the lab is finished, they send a report to your provider. The report reads like a traffic light.

• Green: This means go. You will likely tolerate these medicines.

• Yellow: This means slow down. The provider might need to adjust your dose.

• Red: This means stop. These medicines will probably not work, or they might make you feel worse.

This color map takes the guess work out of your care.

Why People Love This Fast Test

Patients and providers both really like this test. GeneSight testing makes life much easier for everyone involved. Here are a few big reasons:

• No sharp pokes or pain.

• You do not have to trial medicines that are not helpful.

• You save time.

• You feel better, faster.

• The health plan is made just for you and your unique genetic makeup.

• It is fast to complete GeneSight testing in the office or from the comfort of your own home.

Let Serenity Health Help You

At Serenity Health in Carmel, Indiana, we view you as an individual - not just a number on a medical chart. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored precisely to your unique biology.  This helps you bypass the exhausting trial-and-error phase of mental health treatment.
We know finding the right care can be very hard. We want to empower you to live your best life by combining evidence-based medication management with warm, patient-focused care. We use the GeneSight test to help you skip the hard parts of finding the right medicine for you. We believe you deserve a provider who truly listens.
We also offer services to make your life easier:

• GeneSight testing right in our office.

• Telehealth visits (after your first in-person intake is fully done).

• After-school appointment times so you do not miss class or work.

• A convenient patient portal to book your next visit easily.

• Care based on facts and evidence.

‍ ‍Ready to Feel Better?

Finding the right medicine does not have to be a scary guessing game filled with trial and error. The GeneSight test is an amazing tool that makes getting healthy very simple. Remember, it is just a soft cheek swab. No needles. No blood. No fear.
If you are tired of guessing and want caring providers who truly listen, Serenity Health LLC is exactly what you need. Reach out to us today. Let us use this test to help you back to feeling like yourself again.

FAQs

Q. Where can I get the GeneSight test?

You can get the test at Serenity Health in Carmel, Indiana. We do the easy swab inside our office. We even offer after-school appointment times. That way, you do not have to miss school or work.

Q. Can I talk to the provider via telehealth?

Yes! You will need to come to our office for your very first visit. After your first in-person visit, we offer telehealth visits. This means you can talk to us from your own home using your computer or phone.

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