The concept of ‘precision medicine’, whereby treatments are tailored to particular patients based on their genetic and lifestyle characteristics rather than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, is rapidly evolving. It is ideally suited to the field of hair loss, where there are known to be many different causes of the problem and where there is a varied range of potential solutions.
The particular benefits for patients of the Fagron TrichoTest™ include:
Fagron TrichoTest™ is a simple mouth swab test that can be done at home or in the clinic. Based on global scientific research and considered 99.9% accurate, it analyses gene variations and lifestyle factors so that we can make an informed, personalised recommendation for a hair loss treatment.
The test involves taking a swab saliva sample from your mouth to obtain your DNA. This is an easy-to-follow process that we can carry out for you in the clinic, or we can send a kit to your home and then guide you through the step-by-step instructions via video call.
The DNA sample, together with a lifestyle questionnaire completed online, is sent to the Fagron laboratory where technicians analyse genetic variations (known as SNPs) related to hair loss.
The results of Fagron TrichoTest™ tell you the type of gene mutation you carry and how this, along with lifestyle factors, might be contributing to your hair loss.
The report will also provide recommendations on the optimum treatment for these genetic and lifestyle factors. Our hair loss specialists at The Maitland Clinic will then use this report to guide your personalised treatment plan.
At The Maitland Clinic, Fagron TrichoTest™ costs a one-off price of £395 (+£5 postage fee).
This includes:
– the testing kit
– a video or telephone consultation with Dr Ball’s assistant to run through how to best perform the test
– your full genetic report from Fagron
– a personalised recommendation letter from Dr Ball to summarise the findings and how this relates to your hair loss medication regimen
Furthermore, it also allows you to have your report produced again at any time within six years of data storage in the event of any changes in your medical or lifestyle history, so that you can discover if your recommendations have changed. A new free report can also be produced if there are any new developments in treatment options that may be added to the list of drugs you can be tested against.
The Fagron TrichoTest™ analyses three polymorphisms within 16 DNA mutations (SNPs), analysing a total of 48 genetic variations.
The genetic variations analysed by Fagron TrichoTest™ are associated with seven different categories of hair loss treatment:
The Trichotest personalised genetic report will provide information regarding your likely response to the core hair loss medication available to us. The report is very detailed. Your clinician will provide you with an easy to understand summary with the main take home messages and recommended treatment options. More can be learned on The Maitland Clinic website about the non-surgical hair loss treatment options available.
The report makes recommendations for treatment but it cannot guarantee that every treatment will be successful, as there are a large number of variables to consider.
However, at The Maitland Clinic we will always discuss your recommended treatment plan fully and give you a realistic expectation of the range of results you are likely to see.
You can read more FAQs about the Fagron TrichoTest™ on the Fagron website.
