Genetic testing to guide treatment after a stroke

People could be offered a genetic test in the immediate period after having a stroke to help identify the most suitable treatment to reduce their risk of further strokes. A second consultation on recommendations that clinicians should offer CYP2C19 genotype testing when considering treatment with clopidogrel after an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (a “mini stroke”) has begun. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence currently recommends clopidogrel as a treatment option for people at risk of a secondary stroke. For some people with certain variations in a gene called CYP2C19 other treatments could work better. The genotype test would identify people who have the gene variants so they can be offered an alternative treatment.