Many times, doctors need to change medicines because the first one you tried did not work or it caused a side effect. That’s because medicines are prescribed based on what works for most people. But the dose or medicine that works for most people may not be the right one for you.

There are many reasons why people have different responses to medicines. One reason could be differences in genes or DNA. Since we all have small differences in our genes, it’s possible this explains why not all people respond to medicine in the same way.

The pharmacogenomics testing for Veterans (PHASER) program offers genetic testing for medicines. This test can use information in a person’s genes to inform how they respond to medicine.

Lab technician conducting PHASER testBody’s response to medicine

The PHASER test can inform your doctor on how your body uses and responds to medicine. It is a genetic test for commonly used medicines. Along with other health data, your PHASER test results may help your doctor or pharmacist to know if there is a better dose or type of medicine for you.

If you are interested in receiving a PHASER test and you get your health care at a VA medical center participating in PHASER, ask your health care provider if the test is right for you. After discussing the testing details with you and if you agree to testing, they can schedule you for a blood draw and your results will be available in about two weeks.

The PHASER test is currently available at 25 VA medical centers. 27 more medical centers are implementing the test now and will be ready in the next year.

Here’s a helpful video that explains what happens when one size doesn’t fit all.

Here’s more information about PHASER from Durham VA.

PHASER available at 25 VA medical centers… with more on the way

Here are the medical centers currently participating in the PHASER program as of August 2022:

  • Albuquerque, NM
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Asheville, NC
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Boston, MA
  • Columbia, MI
  • Columbus, OH
  • Durham, NC
  • Fayetteville, NC
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Houston, TX
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Little Rock, AR
  • Madison, WI
  • Miami, FL
  • Palo Alto, CA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Salisbury, NC
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Washington, DC
  • Wichita, KS

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6 Comments

  1. Brian September 12, 2022 at 07:26

    What are the next 27 facilities that’ll be getting this testing? I’d be interested, especially if it was available at the Temple, TX clinic.

  2. Matt September 9, 2022 at 16:36

    Rally the Vfw and legion vans drive veterans to wherever. It’s better than being a Guinea pig

  3. Kary September 9, 2022 at 09:49

    Need a way for veterans to get this that desperately need it versus sorry not in your va. For some of us it could mean the difference between life and death. When there is a VA within 2 hours that has it – find a way for us to get tested.

  4. P am Fontenot September 8, 2022 at 19:33

    I am interested in participating in this testing.

    • Darrin September 12, 2022 at 14:57

      Who do I contact to find out about payment for survey.

  5. Richard. Adis September 7, 2022 at 19:15

    Well Ann Abor be getting it in mi

Comments are closed.

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