TrichoTest

Fagron TrichoTest™ provides clinicians with complete information about their patients’ hair loss genetic profile. The genetic characteristics evaluated can influence the effect of certain treatments used for hair loss. To support the clinician, a Fagron TrichoTest™ report is created for each patient, providing suggested personalised treatments for hair loss. This can prevent clinicians from prescribing several try-out therapies, reducing the time needed to find the most suitable treatment available for the patient and reducing the possibility of side effects. The suggested formulations generated in Fagron TrichoTest™ reports are supported by literature. A Fagron TrichoTest™ Scientific validation document and Fagron TrichoTest™ Literature review is available to clinicians upon request. These documents contain the explanation of each gene and variation analysed by Fagron TrichoTest™ and how they relate to a specific treatment used for hair loss.

The process of analysing DNA is complex. The results are expected to be sent approximately 14 days after the patient sample was taken. This includes the time needed to process the sample and to generate a personalised report.

The results from the TrichoTest report will be delivered to the clinician directly through the Fagron Genomics online platform. The report can be generated in multiple languages.

The technology used to analyse the DNA taken in the TrichoTest is widely validated as a platform for genetic studies, with reproducibility and specificity rates around 99%. Fagron Genomics laboratory technicians are particularly trained for this type of analysis and analyse thousands of samples every year, having extensive experience in this process.

Although the methodology used is the best currently available, sometimes it can happen that the sample does not contain enough DNA and it is not possible to provide a reliable result. This may be due to many factors, such as the sampling process was not performed correctly or that the sample was not kept in proper temperature conditions before or during shipment.

In these cases a new batch of swabs will be sent without the kit box, to perform a new sampling of the patient. If the online registration was already performed previously, it will not be required again. One repeat test will be offered for free.

The genetic variations analysed by Fagron TrichoTest™ are associated with 7 different hair loss treatment categories:

• Prostaglandins metabolism
• Inflammation
• Androgenic effect
• Vasodilation and blood circulation
• Collagen synthesis
• Deficit of vitamins and minerals
• Insulin metabolism

The association of the analysed genes with hair loss treatment possibilities is based on more than 50 scientific publications and evidences. A detailed scientific validation document is available upon request which provides a complete explanation and further information about the genes analysed and the pathways involved.

The quantity of DNA required for the analysis is obtained with an oral swab. The procedure to obtain the sample is simple, painless and can be carried out at home or in the clinician’s office. The sample collection kit contains all necessary materials and instructions in a very detailed way.

Before taking the sample;

Hands must be washed properly, or disposable gloves should be used.

Patients should avoid eating, smoking, alcohol, drinking (water is the exception) or brushing teeth at least 1h before scraping.

Patients are advised to rinse the mouth with water before scraping.

Informed consents must be filled and signed by the clinician and the patient.

During sample;

Removal of the swab from the swab tube.

The inside part of one of the cheeks must be scraped energetically with the scraping end of the swab for 1 minute, while rotating the swab. The scraping end of the swab should only be in contact with the inside of the cheek.

The swab must be left to dry for 10 minutes, out of the tube, avoiding contact with any surface.

The swab should be stored back in the tube and closed.

The process must be repeated using the other swab, scraping the inside part of the other cheek.

The quantity of DNA required for the analysis is obtained with an oral swab. The procedure to obtain the sample is simple, painless and can be carried out at home or in the clinician’s office. The sample collection kit contains all necessary materials and instructions in a very detailed way.

Before taking the sample;

Hands must be washed properly, or disposable gloves should be used.

Patients should avoid eating, smoking, alcohol, drinking (water is the exception) or brushing teeth at least 1h before scraping.

Patients are advised to rinse the mouth with water before scraping.

Informed consents must be filled and signed by the clinician and the patient.

During sample;

Removal of the swab from the swab tube.

The inside part of one of the cheeks must be scraped energetically with the scraping end of the swab for 1 minute, while rotating the swab. The scraping end of the swab should only be in contact with the inside of the cheek.

The swab must be left to dry for 10 minutes, out of the tube, avoiding contact with any surface.

The swab should be stored back in the tube and closed.

The process must be repeated using the other swab, scraping the inside part of the other cheek.

The results of Fagron TrichoTest™ are able to inform you on the type of genetic gene mutation that you carry and how your lifestyle factors are contributing to your hair loss. The TrichoTest will also then provide several treatment recommendations to counter the gene mutation and help target hair loss and protect existing hair.