PCLS Announces Expansion Of Cardiovascular Pharmacogenetic Testing Menu

Physicians Choice Laboratory Services (PCLS) announces the expansion of its cardiovascular pharmacogenetics menu, which enables healthcare providers to individualize therapeutic treatments for improved patient outcomes.

Rock Hill, SC (PRWEB) - Physicians Choice Laboratory Services (PCLS) announces the expansion of its cardiovascular pharmacogenetics menu, which enables healthcare providers to individualize therapeutic treatments for improved patient outcomes. With PCLS’s evidence-based results, healthcare providers are better able to assess patients’ individual needs and optimize their therapy, while minimizing risks for adverse drug reactions and interactions.

In the U.S., according to the FDA ^[1] more than 2.2 million adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occur annually and are the fourth leading cause of death, ahead of pulmonary disease, diabetes, AIDS and automobile deaths. Currently, 42 percent of patients do not receive relief from their prescription medications ^[2] and $300 billion is wasted annually on drugs that do not work for some patients based on how they metabolize certain medications. ^[3] These issues could easily be prevented with a one-time, cost-effective test from PCLS’s pharmacogenetics testing lab.

PCLS’s pharmacogenetic tests detect genetic variants that affect a patient’s ability to metabolize certain medications and/or identify the likelihood for adverse cardiovascular-related events. Some of the prevalent medications used to treat cardiovascular disease include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin®)
• Clopidogrel Bisulfate (Plavix®)
• Statins
• Beta blockers

PCLS knows that combining Cardiology and pharmacogenetics testing in the treatment of patients with cardiac disorders provides detailed information that improves a clinician’s ability to determine the most effective treatment regimen.

“Our Pharmacogenetic testing options provide evidence-based reports that deliver actionable data to healthcare providers, and using PCLS’s pharmacogenetic tests as part of a personalized treatment plan results in better patient outcomes. This expansion of our testing menu will help our healthcare providers prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, the #1 killer of men and women in the U.S.,” said PCLS CEO Joe Wiegel.

About PCLS
PCLS is a pharmacogenetics testing company offering innovative health solutions. PCLS offers lab services focused on toxicology testing, pharmacogenetics, infectious disease, and personalized medicine. Our services improve physician awareness of patient conformance with drug therapy, identify and reduce narcotic diversion, minimize adverse drug reactions, and facilitate personalized patient care through innovative molecular diagnostics and analytical services. PCLS provides confidential, easy-to-read reports, and continual innovations in safety, precision, and efficiency.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Gammage, Marketing Communications Manager at jennifer(dot)gammage(at)pcls(dot)com or (803) 325-9854.

^[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration Development Resources, Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions: A Focus on Drug Interactions, available online at fda.gov/drugs/developmentapprovalprocess/developmentresources/druginteractionslabeling/ucm110632.htm#ADR
^[2] Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Americans Talk About Pain: A Survey Among Adults Nationwide (August 2003):7.
^[3] Gupta A. Could genetic testing help doctors treat pain more effectively? Website: foxnews.com/health/2013/08/06/could-genetic-testing-help-treat-pain-more-effectively/. Accessed July 9, 2014.