Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient Guide to Testing, Procedure, and Results
A genetic test that analyzes specific changes (mutations) in the ADRB2 gene, which affects how your body responds to certain asthma medications.
{"This test examines your DNA for specific variations in the ADRB2 gene","It helps predict how you may respond to beta-agonist asthma medications like albuterol","The test requires a simple blood sample","Results can guide personalized asthma treatment decisions","Common mutations tested include Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95068-3
- Short code
- ADRB2
- Synonyms
- ADRB2 Mut Anl Bld/T
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA tube (lavender top) - K2EDTA or K3EDTA
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 81403
- SNOMED
- 124976009
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL whole blood (minimum 1 mL acceptable)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-72 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): indefinite for DNA stability
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 168–336 hours
- Order
- routine
This is a medical laboratory test that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your overall health, screen for certain conditions, or monitor an ongoing treatment plan. Your provider may order it as part of a routine checkup or to help investigate specific symptoms you have been experiencing.
The ADRB2 gene targeted mutation analysis is a genetic test that looks for specific changes (mutations) in the ADRB2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, a protein that plays a key role in how your lungs and airways respond to certain medications.
Your doctor may recommend this test to help diagnose a medical condition, check how well your organs are working, follow up on abnormal findings from an earlier exam, or track how well a current treatment is working. It can also be part of routine preventive care.
This test is primarily used to help understand how you may respond to beta-agonist medications (such as albuterol/salbutamol or salmeterol), which are commonly prescribed for asthma and other breathing conditions. Some people carry genetic variations that affect how well these medications work for them. Your doctor may order this test to help personalize your treatment plan.
The test is performed by a trained member of your care team, usually in a clinic, hospital, or laboratory. A small sample, such as blood, urine, or tissue, may be collected, or the test may involve imaging or other monitoring. The procedure is typically quick, and most patients go home the same day.
A healthcare provider will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a specialized laboratory where technicians analyze your DNA to identify specific mutations in the ADRB2 gene. The process typically takes several days to complete.
Your results show whether your values fall within the normal range for this test. Normal results may suggest no evidence of the condition being tested, while abnormal results can point to a possible health concern that needs further evaluation. Always review your results with your healthcare provider to understand what they mean for you.
Your test results will show whether you have specific genetic variants in the ADRB2 gene. Common variants tested include Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and condition to help determine the most effective treatment approach for you.
Reference range
Wild type (no mutation detected) - No pathogenic variants identified in the ADRB2 gene coding regionN/A
No special preparation required. Standard venipuncture procedure. Patient may eat and drink normally. Inform patient that this is a genetic test that detects inherited variants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The ADRB2 gene mutation analysis helps in pharmacogenomics - the study of how genetic variations affect drug response. Certain ADRB2 variants may influence how effectively beta-agonist medications work for asthma treatment. This information can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions about medication selection and dosing. However, this test is not routinely performed for all patients and is typically ordered by specialists (such as pulmonologists or allergists) when there is a specific clinical need.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will my insurance cover this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Does this test diagnose asthma?
Sources
- 1
- 2NIH - PharmacogenomicsSource
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