Fagron TrichoTest™: hair loss test to guide treatment choices
15th January 2023
The Fagron TrichoTest™ hair loss test: How a quick and simple genetic test can help identify the hair loss treatment that’s right for you
A new genetic swab hair loss test – the Fagron TrichoTest™, available from The Maitland Clinic – can save you time and money by accurately identifying the hair loss treatment that best suits your biological profile…
A core element of The Maitland Clinic philosophy is the recognition that every hair loss patient is unique, and each will require individually tailored treatment to get the best possible result. We will never recommend surgery or any other treatment unless we believe it is the right option for you as an individual, both in the short term and over the course of the rest of your life.
It is increasingly well understood that genetic factors play a critical role in the effectiveness of different types of hair loss treatment for any given person. Now, advances in the accuracy and affordability of genetic testing have created an opportunity for people suffering from hair loss to identify the treatment that’s most likely to work for them based on their genetic makeup.
How is the genetic sample taken?
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 benefits of genetic testing for personalised hair loss treatment
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:
- Savings on time and money – an accurate analysis of your genetic and lifestyle profile can help you avoid wasting time and money on ineffective hair loss treatments. For example, it can take 6-12 months for a response to be seen to common medications like minoxidil or finasteride. Having personalised knowledge about the likelihood of success from these treatments can help you to make better decisions and minimise the chance of disappointment.
- Better information for your hair loss specialist – the Fagron TrichoTest™ system provides your doctor, nurse or trichologist with a detailed report that can help them to create a detailed, informed treatment plan. At The Maitland Clinic we can directly prescribe virtually all approved medications – and the genetic report can help us to tailor treatment precisely to your needs.
- A simple, convenient test – the mouth swab test can be conducted in a matter of minutes, and can be done in the clinic or we can send the kit to your home for remote use.
- Swift results – the results and report of the test are typically available in around 14 days, enabling a prompt start to any recommended course of treatment.
- Suitable for anyone – there are no restrictions on who can take the Fagron TrichoTest™ in terms of age, gender or race.
How much does the Fagron TrichoTest™ cost?
At The Maitland Clinic, Fagron TrichoTest™ costs a one-off price of £300. This covers the testing kit and the full genetic reporting. If you wish for the test to be posted to you, there is a £7.65 postage fee (Special Next Day Delivery).
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.
How does the Fagron TrichoTest™ work?
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.
What does the Fagron TrichoTest™ test for?
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:
- Prostaglandins metabolism
- Inflammation
- Androgenic effect
- Vasodilation and blood circulation
- Collagen synthesis
- Deficit of vitamins and minerals
- Insulin metabolism
How accurate is the Fagron TrichoTest™?
The test is based on global research and is shown to be 99.9% accurate in determining the genetic causes of your hair loss.
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.
What hair loss treatments will be recommended?
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.
We believe that genetic testing can be of significant benefit in helping patients to avoid ineffective treatments, save time and money and potentially improve outcomes. The Fagron TrichoTest™ is the only one of its kind, and the ‘precision medicine’ approach fits well with The Maitland Clinic’s ethos of treating each patient as an individual.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to hair loss. Our goal is to understand as much as possible about each of our patients, so that we can tailor a treatment programme that will meet their physical and emotional needs and last them for life. Genetic testing is another important tool to help us achieve this.
For more information about Fagron TrichoTest™ contact Alice Mabbitt, Clinic Administrator – reception@themaitlandclinic.com or 02393 706122.
