Authors' recommendations: Polymerase chain reaction is an accurate means of identifying genetic mutations. All techniques discussed in this summary use PCR and other molecular techniques as the basis of their methodology. All commercial platforms and in-house assays assessed proved to be accurate for identifying the specific polymorphisms of the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes that are considered to be important in warfarin metabolism. Of the assays assessed, the single-nucleotide polymorphism SMart-amplification assay was the most rapid whilst still maintaining 100 per cent accuracy. However, large clinical trials are needed to determine the clinical utility of genotyping all patients prior to commencing warfarin therapy before pharmacogenomics enters routine clinical practice.It is likely that in five-years all patients currently on warfarin therapy will be placed on alternative pharmaceutical options. In addition, a two-week period of testing a patient's international normalised ratio is usually deemed sufficient to ascertain the correct warfarin dose. Therefore no further review on behalf of HealthPACT is required.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)