The pharmacist's responsibility to ensure appropriate use of direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing

Abstract

AbstractMillions of consumers have chosen to pursue direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing for personal health‐related and/or non‐health‐related information. However, genetic test results can be complex to interpret, and the regulatory landscape for DTC genetic tests is in flux. Given that these tests are easily accessible and may have implications for health, pharmacists need to be prepared to provide patient education on DTC genetic testing, particularly when the results may provide valuable insights into optimal pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists, regardless of practice site and specialty, are well positioned to provide patient education on the benefits, risks, and limitations of DTC pharmacogenomic tests in clinical practice and to advise patients about pursuing confirmatory clinical testing. This report highlights the responsibility of the pharmacist in the appropriate use of DTC genetic testing, particularly pharmacogenomic testing, using a patient case example across varied health settings.