FDA approves first test to screen for potential opioid disorder

(CNN) – The Food and Drug Administration has approved a tool that uses genetic testing to help assess whether certain people are at risk of developing opioid use disorder.

The Autogenomics AvertD test is meant for adults considering a short-term course of oral opioid pain meds, such as after a planned surgical procedure.

It uses a cheek swab sample to analyze 15 genetic markers involved in the brain’s reward pathways and associated with addiction.

It can be prescribed only to people who have no prior use of opioids, and patients must consent to the test.

However, it is not meant for those who are being treated for chronic pain.

An FDA spokesman said the test information should be used as part of a complete clinical evaluation and risk assessment and should not be used alone to make treatment decisions.

Some experts say they are wary about use of the test in clinic practice and what they say are its limitations.