Smarter Medication.
Safer Outcomes.
Personalised medication optimisation and pharmacogenomics, guided by over 20 years of clinical pharmacy experience.
Book NowMeet Retha - the heart behind DNA HealthLab.
She is a registered pharmacist with more than two decades of hands-on clinical experience and a deep commitment to getting medication right. She holds a BPharm degree alongside specialist qualifications in Primary Care Drug Therapy (PCDT) and Pharmacogenomics (PGx). With over 20 years in pharmacy, Retha has witnessed firsthand how the right medication can genuinely transform a life.
She has, however, also seen how easily things go wrong when treatment is not matched to the individual. Side effects that could have been avoided. Doses that do not quite fit. Drug interactions that slip through unnoticed. These are not rare occurrences. They happen every day in clinics and hospitals across the country.
That is what led her to found DNA HealthLab.
Retha specialises in helping patients and healthcare professionals understand why medication may or may not be working, and what to do about it. Looking at the whole picture: your genes, current medications, lifestyle and your health goals, she provides practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored specifically to you.
Retha works closely with doctors, specialists and other healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between the prescription and the person. Her additional training in Primary Care Drug Therapy means she can support medication reviews and preventative health in a meaningful, hands-on way.
When she is not working, you will find Retha out in nature, hiking trails and soaking up the outdoors. She is happiest surrounded by the people she loves most: her wonderful husband and their two beautiful children, who remind her every day what really matters.
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No two people are the same.
So why should your medication be?
Most medications are prescribed based on general guidelines. They are designed to work for the average person. But you are not average. Your genetics, your lifestyle, your existing medications and your unique health profile all play a role in how your body responds to treatment.
When medication is not matched to the individual, the consequences can range from frustrating to serious. You might experience side effects that make daily life difficult. A treatment might simply not work as expected. Or interactions between multiple medications could go unnoticed, creating risks that nobody intended.
Personalised medication optimisation changes this. By looking at the full picture, including your genetic makeup, we can identify which medications are most likely to work for you, at the right dose, with the fewest possible side effects. This is not about replacing your doctor. It is about working alongside your healthcare team to ensure that every prescription is as safe, effective and well-suited to you as it can be.
At DNA HealthLab, we believe that healthcare should never be a guessing game. You deserve to know that the medication you are taking is truly working for you.
Our Services
DNA HealthLab offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help you understand your medication, your genetics and your health on a deeper level. Every service is delivered online, making expert pharmacist-led care accessible wherever you are in South Africa.
Areas Of Clinical Focus
DNA HealthLab supports patients and healthcare professionals across a wide range of clinical areas. While our services are available to anyone seeking a more personalised approach to their health, we have particular experience and focus in the following areas.
Geriatric Care & Healthy Ageing
As we age, our bodies process medication differently. Older adults are often on multiple prescriptions, which increases the risk of drug interactions, side effects and dosing challenges. We provide specialist medication reviews tailored to the unique needs of older patients, helping to ensure that treatment remains safe, effective and appropriate at every stage of life.
Primary Care & Family Medicine
We work alongside GPs and family practitioners to support medication decision-making at the primary care level. Whether it is a routine prescription review or a more complex clinical question, our role is to provide the pharmacological insight that strengthens everyday patient care.
Chronic Disease Management
Living with a chronic condition means living with ongoing medication. We help patients and their doctors review and refine treatment plans for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other long-term health concerns. The goal is always the same: the right medication, at the right dose, with the fewest possible side effects.
Mental Health Medication Support
Finding the right psychiatric medication can be a long and difficult journey. Pharmacogenomic testing can offer valuable insight into how your body metabolises antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and other mental health medications. We work with psychiatrists and GPs to support more informed prescribing decisions, helping to reduce the trial-and-error process that so many patients experience.
Polypharmacy & Complex Regimens
When you are taking multiple medications at once, the risk of interactions, side effects and dosing errors increases. Polypharmacy management is one of our core strengths. We review the full medication picture, identify potential problems and provide clear, actionable recommendations to simplify and improve your treatment plan.
What Is Pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics, often shortened to PGx, is the science of how your genes affect the way your body responds to medication. It can help explain why some medicines work well for you while others cause unwanted side effects, or why a standard dose may be too much or too little for your body.
A simple genetic test provides insights into your unique genetic profile. This information allows your pharmacist and doctor to make more informed decisions about which medications to prescribe and at what dose. The result is a treatment plan that is built around you, rather than around averages.
PGx testing can help to reduce medication side effects, improve treatment effectiveness, guide safer dosing decisions, and support better medication choices for patients taking multiple medicines. It is particularly valuable for people managing chronic conditions, those on complex medication regimens, and anyone who has experienced treatment that simply did not work as expected.
Pharmacogenomics supports clinical decision-making and works alongside your doctor’s care. It does not replace medical advice. It strengthens it. For many patients, a single PGx test can provide insights that remain relevant for life, because your genetic makeup does not change. This makes it a valuable, long-term investment in understanding your health.
Do I need a PGx test?
What Is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the study of how your genes interact with the nutrients you consume. Just as your genetics influence the way you respond to medication, they also affect how your body absorbs, processes and uses vitamins, minerals and other dietary components.
This means that two people eating the same diet can have very different nutritional outcomes. One person may absorb certain vitamins efficiently, while another may struggle to get what they need from food alone. Nutrigenomic testing provides a clearer picture of your individual nutritional needs, allowing for targeted dietary and supplement recommendations based on your genetic profile.
At DNA HealthLab, nutrigenomic testing and interpretation form part of a holistic approach to your health. Understanding your genetic nutritional blueprint can support better energy levels, improved wellbeing and a more informed approach to the way you fuel your body every day.
Who Can Benefit From DNA HealthLab?
Our services are designed for anyone who wants a more personalised, evidence-based approach to their healthcare. You do not need a referral to book a consultation, although we are happy to work with your doctor or specialist at any stage.
For Patients
- Taking multiple medications and want to ensure they are working safely together
- Experienced side effects and looking for alternatives
- On a treatment that does not seem to be working as expected
- An older adult wanting a specialist medication review
- Interested in how genetics affect your response to medication or nutrition
For Healthcare Professionals
- GPs seeking pharmacist-led clinical support
- Psychiatrists wanting PGx-informed prescribing
- Cardiologists, oncologists and other specialists
- Multidisciplinary care teams
- Any clinician seeking collaborative medication optimisation expertise
How It Works
Getting started with DNA HealthLab is straightforward. Everything is done online so that you can access expert pharmacist-led care from anywhere in South Africa.
Book A Free Consultation
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs, ask questions and find out which service is right for you.
There is no obligation and no pressure.
Complete Testing
(If Necessary)
For the nutrigenomic test, a simple test kit will be sent to your home. The test is quick, painless and easy to complete. You simply return the kit by post using the prepaid label provided. Pharmacogenomic testing involves a blood test, which is sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
Review Your Results
Once your results are ready, we schedule a detailed consultation to go through everything.
You will receive a clear, plain-language report alongside a clinical report for your referring doctor.
Receive Your Recommendations
We provide practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored to your genetic profile, your current medications and your health goals, and liaise directly with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medication review?
A medication review is a professional assessment of all the medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter products you are currently using. The aim is to identify possible medicine-related problems, such as side effects, interactions, duplicate therapy, incorrect dosing, or medication that may no longer be suitable for you. The review helps you better understand your treatment and supports safer, more effective medication use.
Who can benefit from a medication review?
A medication review may be helpful if you:
- - Take several chronic medications
- - Experience side effects or unexplained symptoms
- - Use supplements together with prescription medication
- - Have recently started, stopped, or changed medication
- - Are unsure why you are taking certain medicines
- - Have complex health conditions
- - Want to better understand your medication plan
It is also useful for patients who want reassurance that their medicines are working safely together.
Do I need a referral to use your services?
No referral is needed. You are welcome to contact me directly to book a consultation. However, if you are under the care of a doctor or specialist, I may recommend working together with them where appropriate, especially if medication changes need to be considered.
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing looks at how your genes may affect the way your body processes and responds to certain medicines. Some people break down medication faster or slower than expected. This can affect whether a medicine works well, causes side effects, or needs a different dose. Pharmacogenomic testing helps guide more personalised and safer medication decisions.
How does pharmacogenomic testing work?
Pharmacogenomic testing involves a blood test, which is sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The test examines specific genes that influence how your body processes certain medications. Once the results are available, Retha will guide you through a detailed consultation explaining what the findings mean for your current and future treatment.
Is genetic testing safe?
Yes. The sample collection process is safe and simple. Pharmacogenomic testing does not diagnose disease. It focuses on genes that may influence how your body responds to certain medicines. Your results are handled confidentially and used to support safer, more personalised medication care.
How is the DNA sample collected?
DNA is collected using a blood sample. This provides a reliable, high-quality sample for testing. The process is quick and straightforward, and you will be guided on where and how the sample will be collected.
How long does it take to get results?
The turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory process, but results are usually available within a few weeks. You will be informed of the expected timeframe when your test is arranged.
Can you help if I am already seeing a specialist?
Yes. My role is to support your current healthcare team, not replace them. I can help review your medication, explain your results, identify possible medication-related concerns, and provide recommendations that can be shared with your doctor or specialist. Any changes to prescribed medication should always be made in consultation with your treating healthcare provider.
Will you explain my results in simple language?
Yes. A key part of the service is helping you understand your results in clear, practical language. You will not be expected to interpret the report on your own. I will explain what the results mean, which medications may be relevant, and what information may be useful to discuss with your doctor.
Can you work with my doctor?
Yes. With your permission, I can share relevant findings and recommendations - including results from your medication review or PGx testing - with your doctor or specialist. The goal is to support your healthcare team with personalised medication information so treatment decisions can be made safely and appropriately.
Can I stop or change my medication after receiving my results?
No. You should not stop, start, or change any prescribed medication without first discussing it with your doctor, pharmacist, or prescribing healthcare provider. Pharmacogenomic results are a guide to support better medication decisions, but they must always be considered together with your medical history, diagnosis, current treatment, and clinical needs.
Consultation and Process
What happens during a consultation?
During a consultation, we will discuss your current medication, supplements, health concerns, medical history, allergies, and any side effects or previous medication problems you may have experienced. The aim is to understand your full medication picture and identify any possible medicine-related concerns, such as interactions, side effects, duplicate therapy, or medication that may not be working optimally for you. Where pharmacogenomic testing has been done, your genetic results will also be reviewed in relation to your current or future medication.
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes. Online consultations are available for patients who prefer a convenient appointment from home or who are not able to attend in person. In-person consultations may also be arranged where appropriate, depending on the service required.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by contacting DNA HealthLab directly via WhatsApp, email, or the contact form on this website. Once your enquiry is received, I will contact you to confirm the most suitable consultation option and guide you through the next steps.
What information should I bring to my consultation?
Please bring or send through as much relevant information as possible, including: Your current medication list; any supplements or over-the-counter products you use; your medical conditions or diagnoses; known allergies; previous side effects or medication problems; recent blood results, if available; any pharmacogenomic or genetic test results, if already done. This information helps me provide a more accurate and personalised medication review.
How much does a consultation cost?
Consultation fees depend on the type of service required, the complexity of the medication review, and whether pharmacogenomic result interpretation is included. You are welcome to contact me for more information about the consultation options and fees.
Are consultation fees available on request?
Yes. Consultation fees are available on request. Please contact DNA HealthLab directly, and I will provide the relevant fee information based on the service you require.
Will my medical aid cover the consultation or genetic test?
Medical aid benefits differ between schemes and plans. Patients are encouraged to contact their medical aid directly to confirm whether their consultation or genetic test may be covered. DNA HealthLab can provide the relevant invoice and supporting documentation where applicable.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Where appropriate, you will receive a written report summarising the medication review, relevant findings, and recommendations. This report can also be shared with your doctor or specialist, with your consent, to support ongoing care and treatment decisions.
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Ready to take the next step? Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible.