The Biron Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Test for mental health, ADHD, and pain management

This analysis only requires a small amount of saliva (1mL).

Yes, make sure that the amount of saliva collected in the tube is close to the top line. If there is too much saliva for the amount of stabilizing liquid, your sample will be rejected once it arrives at the lab. If there isn't enough saliva, there won't be enough DNA to proceed with the analysis.

No, the current prescribed or non-prescribed treatments you are taking will not influence the results of a pharmacogenomic test. It is not advised to stop or alter your current treatment. You may continue your treatments as advised by your health-care professional.

It is important that you don't drink, eat, or smoke 30 minutes before collecting your sample. Your saliva should be clear. Please wait 30 minutes after brushing your teeth as well.

No, the stabilizing liquid found in the top part of the tube will protect your DNA from any temperature variations.

You should expect a delay of 5 to 10 business days from the moment your sample is received at the lab.

Your genetic report will be sent to your attending physician who will conact you for a medical follow up and share his recomendations.

No, a prescription is not required, but we recommend that you ask your doctor for one. If you have one, the test will be exempt from taxes. 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 (e.g. Ritalin) is not valid.

Some insurers may require a prescription for the reimbursement of your test.

Although a genetic analysis helps predict your response to different drugs, many other factors come into play. A health-care professional will put your genetic results into the context of your overall health for better decision-making.

Please send your request to genetics@biron.com or call 1 855-943-6379 and we will send them a copy of your report.

Some of your genetic results will be similar to those of your relatives. However, since you do not share 100% of your DNA with them, there will be differences (with the exception of identical twins). Therefore, each member of the family should take the test to obtain their unique results.

A prescription could be required. If so, please make sure it says' Pharmacogenomic test'. 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.

Your genetic data is encrypted on multiple levels and stored on Canadian servers that meet or exceed the most stringent security standards. Our SOC2 Type 2 certification is tested annually by an external auditor to ensure the robustness of our systems. Biron protects access to your genetic data by letting you control who can access your information.

Your saliva sample will be destroyed no later than 4 weeks after the analysis. In accordance with Canadian medical laboratory regulations, all data must be encrypted and saved for a minimum period determined by the 'Ordre des Technologistes Médicaux', which varies according to the lifespan of the lab equipment used. If you have any concerns, please contact renseignementspersonnels@biron.com

Your results will never be shared with a third party without your consent. Whether it's your doctor, your insurer or your family, we will always ask for your consent.

If an insurance company asks if you've had a genetic test, you don't have to answer. You can refer them to Bill S-201.

This test is not a diagnostic analysis for diseases. Rather, it is a decision-making tool to optimize the treatment of a condition. Based on accepted scientific data, your results cannot be used to make any diagnosis or to predict your risk of developing any health problem.

No. We don't sequence your entire genome. We use a technique called "genotyping" to analyze only the parts of your DNA we need to produce our reports; a total of 105 genetic variants.

Since your genetic code does not change, the results will be the same whether you take the test at age 7 or age 70. However, science evolves and it is possible that the interpretation of your results may change over time. If this is the case, your report will be updated at no extra charge, to ensure that you and your doctor have the most up-to-date and scientifically accurate information possible. Additional charges may apply if further genetic analysis is required.

The recommendations included in our reports are drawn from peer-reviewed scientific publications. Some recommendations may also come from drug labels issued by Health Canada and other agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biron ensures that the information included in your report comes from credible, expert scientific sources.

Since many factors influence drug response, following the recommendations in your report will not entirely 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 undesirable side effects from medication and increase your chances of obtaining effective treatment.
The report contains an interpretation of the results based on independent scientific studies and guidelines. The genetic analyses on which the recommendations are based are validated and 99.99% reliable.

Biron has been one of Quebec's leading healthcare providers since 1952. In 2015, Biron joined forces with BiogeniQ, a genetics company founded in 2013.