Medical Disclaimer | Pharmacogenetic Testing Canada
Policy page

Medical, Genetic and Pharmacogenetic Testing Disclaimer

This medical disclaimer explains the clinical, scientific, medication, sample, privacy and reporting limitations that apply when you use PharmacogeneticTesting.ca, order a test, submit a sample, contact support or review a report.

Read this page together with our Testing Consent, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, product instructions and laboratory documents.

Last updated: June 23, 2026 Canada
Medication limits A result does not select or prescribe a medication by itself.
Scientific limits Not every gene-drug association has the same evidence or actionability.
Sample limits Identity, collection, quality, transport and analysis can affect results.
Privacy limits Genetic information may reveal sensitive and potentially familial information.
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Not for emergencies, poisoning or urgent medication decisions

PharmacogeneticTesting.ca, its forms, email addresses and support channels are not emergency medical services. For a severe medication reaction, overdose, poisoning, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening symptoms or another emergency, call 911 or contact an appropriate emergency or poison service immediately. Do not wait for a test result or support response.

About the service

General scope and intended use

These provisions explain what this disclaimer covers and what the website, kits, reports and support services are—and are not—intended to provide.

01

Scope of this disclaimer

This disclaimer applies to:

  • PharmacogeneticTesting.ca and its website content;
  • pharmacogenetic testing products;
  • medication-response, gene-specific and clinical support pages;
  • genetic predisposition, methylation, longevity and metabolism tests;
  • at-home kits, sample collection, laboratory analysis and reports;
  • microbiome-related content and services linked from this website;
  • sample reports, educational articles and clinical-resource pages;
  • emails, forms and customer-support communications; and
  • third-party laboratory, courier, software and payment services.

“PharmacogeneticTesting.ca,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the operator identified in the Terms of Service.

02

Informational and decision-support purpose

Unless expressly stated otherwise in product-specific documentation, testing and website content are intended to provide information that may support discussion, screening, education or wellness planning.

They do not independently:

  • diagnose a medical or psychiatric condition;
  • prescribe or select a medication;
  • establish the correct dose;
  • guarantee safety, effectiveness or absence of side effects;
  • replace physical examination or diagnostic testing; or
  • replace individualized care from a qualified professional.
03

No doctor-patient or pharmacist-patient relationship

Using the website, ordering a kit, submitting a sample, contacting support or receiving a report does not by itself create a doctor-patient, pharmacist-patient, genetic-counsellor or other regulated healthcare relationship.

Support staff cannot diagnose, prescribe, adjust medication or provide emergency care. Bring clinically important results to your prescriber or pharmacist.

05

Professional review remains necessary

A report is most useful when reviewed with a professional who knows your diagnoses, symptoms, current and previous medications, doses, allergies, organ function, pregnancy status and treatment goals.

Use our doctor discussion guide and medication review guide to prepare for that conversation.

06

Clinical resources do not individualize care

Content for clinicians and pharmacists is educational and does not establish the standard of care for an individual patient.

The treating professional remains responsible for verifying the report, evaluating current guidance and making a defensible clinical decision.

07

Medical review and editorial review limitations

A reference to the Medical Review Board, editorial review or clinical review applies only to the content and scope actually reviewed. It does not mean that every page, product or personal result has been approved for an individual patient.

Review our Editorial Policy and Clinical Evidence page for additional context.

Pharmacogenetic reports

Medication-response and gene-result limitations

Pharmacogenetic testing examines selected inherited variants that may influence medication metabolism or response. It does not capture every cause of treatment success, failure or adverse effects.

08

Only tested genes and variants are reported

A result applies only to the genes, alleles and variants included in the selected assay. A normal or typical result does not rule out an untested variant, structural change, copy-number difference or non-genetic reason for an unusual response.

09

Not every gene-drug pair is actionable

Evidence strength and clinical actionability vary. Some findings have established prescribing guidance, while others are emerging, limited, population-specific or informational only.

A report category or colour does not automatically mean that a medication must be avoided, selected or dose-adjusted.

10

Guidelines support interpretation, not automatic prescribing

Clinical guidelines may help a professional interpret an available genotype, but they do not replace diagnosis, medication history, patient preference, monitoring or professional judgment.

Guidelines, drug labels and recommendations may differ and can change over time.

11

Metabolizer status is a prediction

Labels such as poor, intermediate, normal, rapid or ultrarapid metabolizer are predicted phenotypes based on the tested genotype and current translation rules.

They do not directly measure the real-time amount of enzyme activity in your body or guarantee a particular blood concentration, response or side effect.

12

Phenoconversion and non-genetic factors

Another medication, smoking, diet, illness, inflammation or other factors may inhibit or induce an enzyme and make actual medication processing differ from the genetically predicted phenotype.

This is sometimes called phenoconversion and requires review of the current clinical context.

13

Drug-drug and drug-gene interactions

A genetic report may not account for every prescription, non-prescription medicine, supplement, substance or interaction. A pharmacist or prescriber should review the complete medication list.

Genetics does not replace interaction checking, therapeutic monitoring or follow-up.

14

Liver, kidney, age and other clinical factors

Medication response can be affected by liver and kidney function, age, body size, pregnancy, diagnosis, adherence, formulation, dose, timing and other medical conditions.

A pharmacogenetic report does not measure or replace evaluation of these factors.

15

CYP2D6 limitations

CYP2D6 testing can be technically complex because copy-number changes, hybrid alleles and rare variants may affect interpretation.

Confirm which variants and structural changes the selected assay detects before relying on a result for a high-stakes decision.

16

CYP2C19 limitations

CYP2C19 testing may be relevant to selected medications, but the same phenotype can have different implications for different drugs, diagnoses and treatment settings.

Do not apply a recommendation from one medication to another without professional review.

17

Pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic terminology

The terms pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic are sometimes used differently or interchangeably. Product scope—not the label alone—determines which genes, medications and interpretations are included.

Review our pharmacogenetic versus pharmacogenomic guide.

18

A stable genotype does not make interpretation permanent

Your inherited DNA usually does not change, but evidence, allele definitions, translation rules, medication labels, guidelines and report software can change.

A past report may need updated interpretation when a new medication is considered. Unless expressly included or required by law, the Company is not obligated to continuously reinterpret or reissue earlier reports.

Medication-specific limits

Mental health, ADHD, pain and cardiovascular medication pages

Medication-specific pages describe possible uses of PGx information. They do not diagnose the underlying condition or guarantee which treatment will work.

19

Antidepressant testing limitations

A pharmacogenetic test for antidepressants does not diagnose depression, predict remission or guarantee that a particular antidepressant will work or be free from side effects.

Do not abruptly stop or change an antidepressant because of a report.

20

Mental health medication limitations

A mental health medication genetic test does not assess suicide risk, mania, psychosis, therapy needs, substance use or all biological and social factors affecting treatment.

Urgent mental health concerns require immediate professional help rather than website support.

21

ADHD medication limitations

An ADHD medication genetic test does not diagnose ADHD or determine whether medication is appropriate.

Response to stimulants and non-stimulants depends on many factors that may not be captured by the tested variants.

22

Pain medication limitations

A pain medication genetic test does not measure pain, diagnose its cause, guarantee relief or determine addiction risk.

Never increase, decrease, combine, stop or replace an opioid or other pain medicine solely because of a genetic report.

23

Cardiovascular medication limitations

A cardiovascular medication genetic test does not diagnose cardiovascular disease or replace urgent assessment, blood pressure measurement, laboratory testing, imaging or monitoring.

Do not stop an antiplatelet, anticoagulant, statin or heart medication without the prescriber.

24

PGx testing is not drug allergy testing

Pharmacogenetic testing and allergy testing answer different questions. A PGx result generally does not prove or rule out an immune-mediated drug allergy.

Review our PGx versus drug allergy testing guide.

25

No guarantee of fewer side effects or successful treatment

Pharmacogenetic testing may add useful information, but it does not guarantee that trial and error will be eliminated, that side effects will be prevented, that a medication will be effective, or that a particular dose will be safe.

Appropriate monitoring and follow-up remain necessary after any treatment decision.

Other DNA products

Epigenetic, healthy-aging, risk and metabolism limitations

These reports are not substitutes for pharmacogenetic testing, medical diagnosis, screening programs or individualized prevention advice.

26

DNA methylation test limitations

A product in the epigenetic health category measures selected methylation-related markers using the chosen method and reference data.

It does not measure every epigenetic change, diagnose disease, prove biological damage or establish that a particular lifestyle factor caused the result.

27

Longevity and healthy-aging limitations

A product in the healthy aging category provides selected DNA-based wellness insights.

A longevity result does not predict an exact lifespan, guarantee healthy aging, diagnose age-related disease or prove that a supplement or lifestyle program will extend life.

28

Genetic predisposition screening limitations

A product in the genetic risk screening category reports selected variants associated with certain conditions or traits.

Increased genetic risk is not a diagnosis, and a negative result does not mean that a condition cannot develop. Environment, family history, age and other genes also matter.

29

KnowYourself and broad DNA-package limitations

A broad foundational report may combine pharmacogenetics, predisposition, inherited conditions, wellness, traits or ancestry. Each section has a different evidence level and intended use.

Confirm that the specific gene, medication or condition relevant to your question is included before ordering a foundational DNA test.

30

Caffeine metabolism test limitations

A caffeine metabolism report may describe selected genetic factors associated with caffeine processing or response.

It does not establish a universally safe amount of caffeine or replace medical advice relating to pregnancy, heart conditions, anxiety, sleep, medication interactions or other risks.

31

Alcohol metabolism test limitations

An alcohol metabolism report may describe selected variants associated with alcohol processing or sensitivity.

It does not establish a safe amount to drink, predict impairment, prevent alcohol-related harm or provide permission to consume alcohol. Age restrictions and public-health guidance still apply.

32

Metabolism reports are not nutrition prescriptions

A product in the metabolism test category provides focused information about the markers listed for that product.

It does not measure total metabolism, nutritional status, liver function or every factor affecting response to food, caffeine, alcohol or supplements.

33

Microbiome tests are separate services

A microbiome test analyzes microorganisms or microbial markers in a stool sample. It does not analyze your inherited DNA in the same way as a pharmacogenetic test.

A microbiome result is a time-specific snapshot and does not independently diagnose IBS, SIBO, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerance or another condition.

34

Do not use wellness reports as stand-alone prevention plans

Do not start or stop supplements, restrictive diets, screening programs or medical treatments solely because of a methylation, longevity, predisposition, metabolism or microbiome report.

Discuss clinically important findings with an appropriate healthcare professional, especially where symptoms, family history, pregnancy or existing disease are involved.

Samples, consent and privacy

Collection, identity, genetic-data and consent limitations

Genetic testing involves sensitive biological samples and information. Review the collection and data-handling terms before ordering.

35

Sample collection and identity

Follow the instructions supplied with the selected product. Collection may fail or produce an unreliable result because of insufficient material, contamination, incorrect labelling, sample mix-up, degradation, storage or shipping conditions.

The customer is responsible for submitting the correct person’s sample unless a verified collection service is expressly included.

36

Laboratory and analytical limitations

No laboratory method is error-free. A result may be false-positive, false-negative, incomplete, inconclusive, unavailable or affected by technical, clerical or human error.

The laboratory may request recollection or confirmatory testing.

37

Informed consent

By submitting a sample, the person tested—or an authorized representative—must understand the test’s purpose, limits, possible findings, data uses and available choices.

Review the current Testing Consent before collection.

38

Minors and people unable to consent

Testing a minor or a person who cannot provide legally valid consent may require authorization from a parent, guardian or substitute decision-maker and may require clinical guidance.

Consider whether testing is in the person’s interests and whether the result is needed now.

39

Unexpected and familial information

Genetic testing may reveal unexpected information about inherited risk, ancestry, biological relationships or findings relevant to relatives.

The Company does not guarantee that every incidental or secondary finding will be detected, interpreted or reported.

40

Genetic information is sensitive

Genetic and health information may require a high level of protection. Review our genetic data privacy guide and Privacy Policy for collection, use, disclosure, retention, access and deletion information.

41

Do not send unnecessary health information

Do not send complete medical records, government identifiers, unrelated family information or other sensitive material through ordinary email or website forms unless specifically requested through an appropriate secure process.

42

Insurance, employment and third-party disclosure

Do not assume that every privacy, insurance, employment or contractual question has the same answer. Canadian genetic non-discrimination and privacy protections may apply, but circumstances and legal requirements can differ.

This website does not provide legal advice. Consider independent advice before voluntarily disclosing a report to an insurer, employer or other third party.

43

Research, secondary use and data sharing

Any research, quality-improvement, product-development or secondary use of samples or data must be governed by the applicable consent, privacy policy and legal requirements.

Do not infer that purchasing a test automatically authorizes every future use. Review the current documents and available choices before submitting a sample.

Service and policies

Ordering, turnaround, coverage and website limitations

These provisions explain operational and legal limits involving shipping, reports, coverage, marketing, support and Canadian availability.

44

Turnaround estimates

Laboratory turnaround generally begins after the correct laboratory receives an acceptable sample and complete information—not at checkout or kit delivery.

Product estimates may differ. Review How It Works and the selected product page.

45

Shipping, loss and delay

Delivery and processing estimates are not guarantees unless expressly stated. Courier delays, weather, customs, incomplete information, sample quality, recollection, laboratory workload, holidays and events beyond reasonable control may cause delay.

Review our Shipping Policy.

46

Refunds and recollection

Refund, cancellation, replacement and recollection eligibility depends on order status, kit condition, laboratory processing and the applicable policy.

Review our Refund and Returns Policy before ordering.

48

Insurance and reimbursement

Website statements about insurance, health spending accounts or provincial coverage are general information and not a promise of reimbursement.

Eligibility depends on the insurer, plan, documentation, referral or prescription requirements and current policy. Review our insurance coverage guide.

49

Location pages and nationwide availability

A page for a province, territory or city indicates online availability or local relevance; it does not mean that a physical clinic, laboratory, prescriber or pharmacist is located there.

Review the locations directory and current shipping details.

50

Customer-support limitations

Support may assist with choosing a product category, orders, collection instructions, shipping and report access. It cannot diagnose, prescribe, recommend an individualized medication change or interpret an urgent reaction.

Visit the FAQ or Contact page.

51

Advertising and performance claims

Statements about reducing trial and error, preventing side effects, improving outcomes, personalized treatment, healthy aging, longevity or predictive value must be read with the exact product scope and supporting evidence.

This disclaimer does not correct a misleading impression elsewhere. Objective claims should be appropriately supported and qualified near the claim.

52

Third-party laboratories and providers

Independent laboratories, couriers, payment processors, hosting providers, software providers and other contractors may provide parts of the service.

They may have separate methods, terms, privacy practices, retention procedures and service interruptions.

53

Provincial and professional requirements

Healthcare, laboratory, privacy, consent, reimbursement and professional-practice requirements may vary by province or territory.

Nationwide ordering does not mean that the website provides regulated medical or pharmacy services in every jurisdiction.

54

French-language content

French pages are provided for accessibility and convenience. Where translations differ, the controlling product, consent, laboratory and contractual documents determine the applicable service terms, subject to legal requirements.

Visit the French-language section.

55

Accessibility

Contact support when an accessible format or assistance is required. Availability may depend on the document, laboratory and reasonable accommodation process.

Review our Accessibility page.

56

Relationship with other policies

This disclaimer should be read with:

Nothing in this disclaimer removes a right, remedy, warranty, duty or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

57

Updates to this disclaimer

We may update this page to reflect changes in products, evidence, guidelines, laboratories, privacy practices, legal requirements or business operations.

The revised version is effective when published unless a later date is stated.

58

Contact us

Questions about a product, kit, order, sample or report can be submitted through the Contact page.

Support provides administrative and general product assistance only. It does not replace medical care, medication review or emergency services.

Need clarification?

Questions about a test, sample or report?

Support can help with product scope, ordering, collection, shipping and report access. For diagnosis, medication changes, side effects or treatment decisions, contact your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.