How Clinicians Can Secure NHS Funding for Pharmacogenetic Testing

Supporting Funding for PGx

Pharmacogenetic testing is gaining traction across the NHS. While not yet routine in all areas, there are established routes to secure funding when there is a clear clinical need—particularly in complex mental health cases. For prescribers dealing with non-responders, adverse effects, or polypharmacy, pharmacogenomics can be transformative. The key is knowing how to access pharmacogenetic testing on the NHS.

What Is Pharmacogenetic Testing and Why It Matters in the NHS

Pharmacogenetics (sometimes called pharmacogenomics) looks at how a patient’s genes affect their response to medication. For psychiatrists, this can explain why one patient responds well to citalopram while another develops side effects, or why some patients need alternative antipsychotics.

The NHS is increasingly exploring how pharmacogenomics can reduce trial-and-error prescribing, improve outcomes, and cut the cost of ineffective treatments. While not yet standard, funding panels have begun approving requests for genetic testing on the NHS in specific circumstances.

How NHS Funding Panels Assess Pharmacogenomics Requests

Requests for PGx usually go through the Complex Mental Health Funding Requests (CMHFR) process, overseen by local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Panels assess:

• Clinical rationale – non-response, multiple side effects, or failed treatment lines.

• Cost-effectiveness – a one-off test (e.g. £299) vs. the cost of repeated failed prescriptions and hospital stays.

• Supporting evidence – PGx guidelines (CPIC, DPWG), NICE guidance, and published studies.

In one recent case, an ICB approved funding for a patient who had not responded to multiple antipsychotics. The panel agreed to cover the test in full, with the condition that the clinician update them on outcomes after pharmacogenetic-guided prescribing.

Can You Get Genetic Testing on the NHS?

Patients and clinicians often ask: “Can I get genetic testing on the NHS?”

The answer is yes — but usually only when there is a strong clinical justification. Routine NHS genetic testing already exists for rare inherited conditions, pregnancy, and inherited cancer risks. Pharmacogenetic testing is different: it focuses on prescribing, and so must be justified case by case.

The best route is to build a request around:

• Documented medication history.

• Evidence of clinical need (side effects, non-response).

• Risks of continuing without PGx insight.
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for NHS Pharmacogenetic Testing

1. Discuss with the patient – explain the role of pharmacogenetics in their treatment.

2. Prepare the request – reference the patient’s history and guidelines supporting PGx.

3. Submit via ICB – most panels meet monthly or quarterly.

4. Follow up – persistence matters; remind panels if delays affect treatment timelines.

5. Report outcomes – many panels require updates on how test results influenced care.
   
   

NHS Genetic Testing vs. Pharmacogenetics

Clinicians may be familiar with existing NHS genetic testing programmes (e.g. BRCA1/2 testing, newborn whole genome sequencing). Pharmacogenomics is newer, but the principle is the same: using DNA insights to guide care.

The difference is that PGx focuses on treatment optimisation rather than disease risk prediction. With NHS panels already approving pharmacogenetic testing, it is becoming part of the wider NHS genomics landscape. PGx is likely to become more embedded in the NHS as the Government’s 10-year plan is implemented, which aims for a more preventative approach to healthcare. 

Key Takeaway

Pharmacogenetic testing NHS funding is possible. With the right clinical evidence, persistence, and outcome reporting, local ICBs are already approving requests. 

AttoDiagnostics supports clinicians with template letters, evidence summaries, and guidance on making a successful application. Contact us if you’re preparing a request for your patient.

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