How to Collect Your Cheek Swab Sample

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PGx is an important part of precision medicine. PGx is the study of how medications interact with a person’s unique DNA. It can improve your health by helping you know ahead of time whether a drug is likely to benefit you and be safe for you to take. Your age, lifestyle and health all influence your response to medications. But so do your genes. 

If you have a traditional Medicare/Medicaid plan, Managed Medicaid Plan, or TRICARE, your cost will be $0

If you qualify for OneOme’s financial assistance program the lab may cost anywhere from $49 to $349

If you do not qualify the cash price is $349

OneOme can bill your insurance if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, marketplace or commercial insurance. However, the cash price may be cheaper depending on your insurance copayment or deductible

The PGx test can be billed through insurance. Unfortunately, we cannot bill insurance for our consultation fees. Unlike other doctors, pharmacists are not able to bill insurance for these consultation fees. We do accept HSA/FSA funds. 

We offer multiple affordable payments plans with no interest or added fees. 

If none of our payment plans work for you, please let us know and we would be more than happy to create a customized payment plan for you. 

The PGx test process is simple and painless. Once the test is ordered, a test kit will be shipped directly to your home. All instructions are included inside the kit. Follow all instructions closely to make sure that an adequate DNA sample is obtained and reduce the possibility of having to repeat the test.

All that is required is either a simple cheek swab or saliva collection that you do yourself. Once you complete the test, you return the sample per the instructions using the enclosed pre-paid return package. Your results should normally be available within 7-10 days. 

Absolutely! Consults are done via telehealth (zoom meeting or over the phone) allowing me to work with individuals in other states. 

Yes. All storage and transmission of your personal and health information is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant. We take every necessary precaution to ensure your confidentiality and privacy. 

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits discrimination by your health insurance based on any genetic information about you or your family 

Visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/gina to learn more about GINA

Definitely! There are two types of PGx testing, reactive and proactive/preemptive. Reactive PGx testing is done after a disease is diagnosed and drug therapy is needed or in response to medication adverse effects. Proactive PGx testing is done before a disease diagnosis and drug therapy is needed. 

Be proactive and know your what your DNA is before you need a medication! 

If you already have PGx DNA results from another lab, please let us know so we can modify the package to fit your needs. 

23andMe and Ancestry may not test for all the DNA information that is related to medication use. It is best to have a DNA test that is for medications to ensure it tests for the specific DNA needed. 

Important information: Prior to taking the sample, wait thirty minutes after eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum.

STEP 1: TAKE YOUR SAMPLE

Remove the collector swab from the package, being sure the sponge tip does not come into contact with any other surface. Place the swab on your lower gums and swab back and forth 10 times. Switch to the other side of your mouth and swab 10 more times. Hold the tube upright, unscrew the blue cap and insert the sponge into the tube, closing tightly. Shake the tube ten times.

STEP 2: ACTIVATE YOUR KIT

Look for the 14-digit barcode found on the side of the tube, or the outside of the kit box. Activate your kit online at PORTAL.ONEOME.COM/ACTIVATE. Make a note of the barcode number for your records. Do NOT skip this step. You must activate your kit before shipping it back to OneOme.

STEP 3: SHIP YOUR KIT

Place your tube into the plastic specimen bag provided. Seal the bag with the adhesive strip. Place the completed sample back into the original box. The return postage has been paid and your package is ready to ship. Ship through FedEx. In a few days, you will receive an email from OneOme confirming that your kit arrived. 

Source: https://oneome.com/sample/