The ultimate goal in measuring CYP450 function or identifying polymorphisms is to predict effective therapeutic doses and responses in patients.
Polymorphisms are identified using molecular techniques (allele-specific PCR, restriction digests, sequencing, hybridization assays, bead-based systems, microarrays, pyrosequencing, etc.)
Although most clinical labs do not offer PGx testing, reference labs provide this testing, and often these labs will direct-market to patients creating demand for these tests.
Most reference labs offer extended PGx profiles. For example, a CYP2D6 profile would usually measure about one dozen of the most common and significant mutation sites on this enzyme. This allows for detection of approximately 98% of the known CYP2D6 polymorphisms. The laboratory then generates a report which will advise the physician on the patient's drug-metabolizing status.
Estimates show that 6-10% of the general population have a complete deficiency of CYP2D6, with the prevalence of mutations varying from <1% to as much as 21% within a given population.
