GENETIC & PHARMACOGENOMIC TESTING
Understanding how your genes may influence your health and your response to medications
OVERVIEW
If you have ever had to try multiple medications before finding one that works, or experienced side effects that made treatment difficult, you have already seen one of the biggest limitations of standard prescribing: what works for most people does not always work for you.
Genetic and pharmacogenomic testing helps address this gap.
These tests analyze your DNA to provide insight into how your body may respond to certain medications and, in some cases, whether you carry inherited risks for specific health conditions. Instead of relying entirely on trial-and-error, this approach gives physicians additional biological information to support more personalized decisions.
For Canadians seeking genetic and pharmacogenomic testing options beyond what is routinely available through the provincial system, Kanata Health provides a physician-guided path to advanced testing.
Kanata Health provides access to these tests through specialized U.S.-based providers. Dr. Ali Sanei, a double board-certified physician with over 20 years of clinical experience, guides patients through the full process: from determining whether testing is appropriate, through coordination and testing, to physician-interpreted results.
Pharmacogenomic testing evaluates genetic variations that can influence how your body processes and responds to medications.
Some genes affect how quickly your body metabolizes a medication. Others may influence how medications are transported or used in the brain and body. These differences can affect whether a medication is more likely to work as expected, require dose adjustment, or carry a higher risk of side effects.
This is especially relevant in areas where treatment response varies significantly between people, including mental health medications, pain medications, and some cardiovascular medications.
Genetic testing can also identify inherited variations associated with increased risk for certain health conditions. These results do not diagnose a condition. They help you and your physician decide whether earlier screening, closer monitoring, or preventive strategies may be appropriate.
WHO IT MAY BE FOR
Who Should Consider This Test
You have tried multiple medications with limited success
You have experienced significant medication side effects
You are starting long-term treatment and want to reduce trial-and-error
You have a family history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other inherited conditions
You are managing a chronic condition and want to understand whether your medications are well suited to your biology
Not sure if this applies to you?
Advanced pharmacogenomic panels and broader genetic risk assessments are not yet integrated into standard Canadian clinical practice and are not covered by provincial health plans.
Where genetic testing is available in Canada, access is often limited to specific clinical scenarios and may require specialist referral. For patients seeking broader, physician-guided access, U.S.-based providers currently offer more complete options.
Kanata Health currently helps patients access GeneSight® Psychotropic testing through U.S.-based providers. GeneSight® is designed to help show how your genetics may affect your response to certain psychiatric medications and support more personalized medication decisions.
FEATURED TEST
GeneSight® Psychotropic
Most psychiatric medication prescribing follows the same basic model: one medication, then adjustment over time based on response.
For many patients, that process can take months. Some people try multiple medications before finding one that works, while others experience side effects that make treatment difficult.
The GeneSight® Psychotropic test takes a different approach.
Instead of relying only on trial-and-error, GeneSight analyzes genetic variations that may affect how your body processes and responds to commonly prescribed mental health medications. The goal is not to replace clinical judgment, but to give your physician additional information to make more informed treatment decisions.
At Kanata Health, we provide access to GeneSight through our U.S.-based testing pathway and guide patients through evaluation, testing, and interpretation of results.
Based on your DNA, GeneSight results can help your clinician understand whether certain medications may be less likely to work for you, may require dosage changes, or may have an increased risk of side effects. The GeneSight patient brochure describes the test as a simple cheek swab that provides genetic insights to help clinicians make medication decisions.
The report groups medications into categories based on whether your genetic profile may affect your medication experience. These categories are designed to help your physician evaluate medication options more efficiently.
GeneSight does not diagnose mental health conditions. It also does not guarantee that a specific medication will work. It provides additional genetic information that must be interpreted by a clinician in the context of your full health picture.
GeneSight®
Short overview of how GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing works
GeneSight has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies of patients with major depressive disorder, including the GUIDED trial and the PRIME Care randomized clinical trial.
In the GUIDED trial, patients whose treatment was guided by pharmacogenomic testing showed higher response and remission rates compared with usual care at 8 weeks.
The PRIME Care study, published in JAMA, included 1,944 patients with major depressive disorder. It found that pharmacogenomic-guided care significantly reduced prescribing of medications with predicted drug-gene interactions. Remission outcomes were also higher across the study period, although the effect was modest and was not statistically significant at the final 24-week time point.
More recently, a meta-analysis of six prospective controlled studies including 3,532 adults with major depressive disorder found that patients whose clinicians had access to GeneSight results were more likely to achieve remission and response compared with treatment as usual.
Together, these findings support GeneSight’s role as a medication decision-support tool, particularly for patients who have experienced limited response or side effects with psychiatric medications.
3,532
Patients included in recent meta-analysis
1,944
Patients in PRIME Care randomized trial
41%
More likely to achieve remission in meta-analysis
30%
More likely to achieve response in meta-analysis
GeneSight is not covered by Canadian provincial health plans.
For patients accessing GeneSight through U.S.-based providers, the test may be available through GeneSight’s U.S. pricing and payment pathways. GeneSight currently lists a reduced self-pay option of $330 USD, though total cost for Canadian patients may vary depending on provider workflow, consultation, coordination, sample collection logistics, and any applicable reimbursement options.
Before any testing is arranged, Dr. Sanei will review whether GeneSight is appropriate for your situation and confirm all expected costs, so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.
UNITED STATES ACCESS
$330
USD
Reduced self-pay option listed by GeneSight
CONSULTATION
$150
CAD
Physician review before testing
HOW IT WORKS
How to Access GeneSight Testing
01
Book a consultation
Review your medication history, side effects, current treatment, and goals. $150 CAD (Private pay)
02
Physician evaluation
Understand whether GeneSight is likely to add meaningful clinical value.
03
Test coordination
Your testing is arranged through a U.S.-based provider with guided instructions.
04
Results and follow-up
Review your results and discuss appropriate next steps for your care.
QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING
Questions Worth Asking
Straight answers about how Kanata Health works, what the process involves,
and whether it may be right for you.
How much does a consultation cost?
The consultation with Dr. Sanei is $150 CAD. It is private pay, virtual, and required before any testing is arranged.
Do I need to travel to the United States?
GeneSight uses a cheek swab, and needs collection in a clinician’s office. For Canadian patients, Dr. Sanei will confirm whether your specific testing process requires travel or can be completed through remote sample collection.
Can GeneSight tell me which medication I should take?
No. GeneSight does not prescribe a medication or guarantee that a medication will work. It provides genetic information that your physician can use alongside your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and clinical judgment.
Are these tests covered by insurance or my provincial health plan?
GeneSight and related advanced pharmacogenomic tests are not covered by Canadian provincial health plans. Some extended health plans or Health Spending Accounts may reimburse part of the cost, but coverage varies.
Not sure if GeneSight is right for you?
$150 CAD private pay · No referral required · No obligation to proceed with testing
Dr. Sanei is licensed in both Canada and Washington State.