Genetic tests for personalised medicine

This project wants to explore people’s opinions on private (paid for) genetic tests for personalised medicine.

Genetic tests for personalised medicine (called pharmacogenomic tests) analyse DNA from a cheek swab, saliva sample or blood test to predict how that person’s genes affect their response to medicines. The test results help doctors personalise treatment to find out which medicines, or dose, are most likely to work best for them.

The NHS currently only provides limited genetic tests for personalised medicine but several private tests are now available for people to buy in the UK. It is uncertain how these tests could be used alongside NHS healthcare, or how it could be stored in patient records.

This project is being carried out by researchers at the University of Manchester.