Pediatric Steroid and Antineoplastic Drug Metabolism Phenotype Test
A genetic test that estimates how a child's body processes steroid and certain anticancer medicines, helping clinicians assess potential treatment benefit and side-effect risk.
["This test estimates how genes affecting drug metabolism may influence the effectiveness and safety of steroid and certain anticancer medicines."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 66388-0
- Short code
- Child steroids anti-CA drugs PhenX
- Synonyms
- Child steroids anti-CA drugs PhenX
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- phenx
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This pharmacogenetic test estimates how the body processes steroid medicines and some anticancer drugs. It provides a metabolism phenotype, a general description of whether relevant enzymes may process these medicines slowly, normally, or rapidly.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be considered when a child is receiving a steroid or an anticancer medicine and there is concern about an inadequate response, treatment toxicity, or an unusual reaction. Results can help the treating team consider how a medicine is selected and monitored.
How is the test performed?
A DNA sample is collected, usually with a cheek swab or from blood, and analyzed for genetic variations that influence drug metabolism. The laboratory combines the genetic findings with the relevant medicines to report a predicted metabolism phenotype.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required for either a cheek swab or blood collection. Bring an up-to-date list of medicines, including steroids and anticancer drugs, because the results are interpreted according to the drugs the child is receiving.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A reduced-metabolism result may indicate that a medicine could be processed slowly, increasing the likelihood that its effects or side effects may persist longer. A rapid-metabolism result may indicate that the medicine is processed quickly, potentially reducing its effect. The phenotype is one factor to consider and does not by itself determine the correct dose, which should be selected using the child's condition, age, other medicines, and treatment response.
Short name
Pediatric Drug Metabolism Phenotype
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose cancer or a hormone disorder?
Will the result determine the exact dose of my child's medicine?
Can this test be performed while my child is receiving treatment?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy