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The Wilmington VA Medical Center and our VA Clinics in Delaware and southern NJ have changed from a four-digit extension to a five-digit extension. When dialing an extension it now requires a "3" to be dialed in front of the 4-digit ext.

When calling, dial: 1-800-461-8262 then your EXT 3-XXXX

Pharmacogenomics

VA now offers a no-cost blood test to patients to understand how your body responds to medication. Genes are parts of our DNA that provide instructions on how your body develops and functions. Everyone has small differences in their genes, and because of this, people may respond differently to medicines.

How can the results be beneficial for you?

  • Help your provider find a medication that is safe for you
  • Decrease side effects
  • Reduce the trial-and-error process of medication commonly seen with antidepressants and pain regimens

Medications that can be impacted include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Pain medications
  • Stomach medications
  • Cholesterol medications
  • And many more

What do I need to know before testing?

  • Testing comes at no-cost to Veterans
  • Pharmacogenomics is just one factor that may impact how you respond to a medicine
  • Other factors include your age, sex, race, ethnicity, and other medicines you may be taking
  • Federal law protects patients from discrimination by insurance companies or employers based on testing results
  • If you have had a liver or certain bone marrow transplants, you are not a candidate for testing

If you are interested in testing

  • Please speak to your health care provider
  • Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your provider or pharmacist

For assistance with coordinating your blood test at Wilmington VA Medical Center, contact: Ernest.Nyannor@va.gov.

Learn More

Join the PGx Patient Education Session on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. via Microsoft Teams or by phone:

  • Join Microsoft Teams at PGx Patient Education.
    • Meeting ID: 265 373 202 374
    • Passcode: nG9Vbm
  • Join by phone at 1-
    • Phone conference ID: 398 270 202#

Connect with a PGx team member via VA’s Health Chat app:

  • Download the VA Health Chat app.
  • Join Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon to chat with a VISN 4 PGx member.

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