What is the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test?

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test is a screening test that will help your doctor assess your risk for developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) before you experience painful irreversible joint damage.

Why should I take the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a progressive irreversible joint disease associated with psoriasis. It is estimated that between 20% to 40% of psoriasis patients will eventually develop PsA .

FDA approved medications for the treatment of PsA are most effective at controlling inflammation and arresting joint destruction, but are ineffective at reversing joint damage; therefore, it is important to know if you are at high risk for developing PsA before you experience arthritic symptoms.

Prior to the introduction of the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test, PsA screening identified patients after the onset of inflammatory arthritis. The PsoriasisDX genetic screening test helps your doctor assess your risk for developing PsA before you experience arthritic symptoms, providing you the opportunity to lessen joint damage through early medical intervention.

Who should use the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test?

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for psoriatic arthritis is most appropriate for individuals with psoriasis who have not yet developed psoriatic arthritis.

It is also useful to assess the risk for individuals who have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

How is the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test performed?

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test kit is available through qualified doctors. A genetic sample is collected using a cheek swab, and the sample is mailed for analysis to the PsoriasisDX laboratory. Once the genetic analysis is complete, your test results will be reported to your doctor.

What will the results mean?

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for psoriatic arthritis provides information on the presence of a specific variation on the MICA immune response gene located on chromosome 6. In particular, a variant called MICA-A9 is found in approximately 60% of patients who develop PsA. The MICA-A9 association was replicated by 4 peer-reviewed and published studies involving over 900 patients from multiple ethnic populations.

An individual that tests positive for the MICA-A9 variant has approximately a 60% chance of developing PsA.

An individual that tests negative for the MICA-A9 variant has approximately a 70% chance of not developing PsA.

Individuals who test positive for the MICA-A9 variant should be advised that they are at a high risk for developing PsA. These individuals may wish to consult with a dermatologist, or rheumatologist, who can develop a plan to monitor and treat PsA. For example, such individuals may be good candidates for TNF-a antagonists, especially if treatment is started early.

Where can I obtain the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test?

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for psoriatic arthritis is currently available through qualified doctors. You can find a qualified doctor in your area by clicking here.

What about safety and confidentiality?

There are no known risks associated with using the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for psoriatic arthritis.

Testing is performed at a CLIA-certified laboratory. The test results are strictly confidential, delivered only to your doctor. We do not share patient information with any third-party and we destroy all samples after reporting the results to your doctor.

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