What Invitae Does
Invitae is a genetic testing company that analyzes your DNA to look for inherited conditions that may run in your family or affect your health. The company sends you a kit to collect a saliva sample at home, you mail it back, and their lab examines your genes for mutations linked to hundreds of conditions — from heart disease and cancer risk to rare inherited disorders.
Invitae does not diagnose you or treat you. Instead, it provides information about your genetic makeup that you and your doctor can use to make decisions about screening, prevention, or medical care. The results come with a written report explaining what was found, what it means, and whether a genetic counselor recommends follow-up.
The company works with insurance plans, employers, and health systems, so your test may be covered partly or fully depending on your coverage and the reason your doctor ordered it. Some people pay out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Invitae sends you a saliva collection kit to use at home, and you return it by mail to their laboratory for analysis.
- Results typically arrive within one to two weeks and include a report explaining what genetic variants were found and what they may mean for your health.
- A genetic counselor reviews your results and is available to discuss them with you, either before or after you receive your report.
- Insurance may cover part or all of the cost if your doctor orders the test for a medical reason, though coverage varies by plan and the specific test ordered.
- Invitae tests look for inherited conditions but do not screen for all possible genetic variations or may provide that you will or will not develop a condition.
How to Order and Use an Invitae Test
Your doctor or a genetic counselor orders the test on your behalf — you cannot order directly from Invitae yourself in most cases. Once the order is placed, Invitae mails you a collection kit with instructions, a saliva tube, and a prepaid return envelope.
You collect your saliva sample at home by spitting into the tube, seal it, and mail it back in the prepaid envelope. The process takes a few minutes. Invitae asks that you do not eat, drink, or smoke for 30 minutes before collecting the sample, as this can affect the quality of the DNA.
Once the lab receives your sample, they extract DNA and run it through genetic sequencing and analysis. This usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive an email when your results are ready, and you can view them online through a find portal or wait for a printed report to arrive by mail.
Understanding Your Results
Invitae results come in three main categories: pathogenic variants (mutations that are known to cause or increase risk for a condition), variants of uncertain significance (changes that scientists do not yet fully understand), and no variants detected (no known disease-causing mutations found in the genes tested).
Each result includes an explanation of what the variant means, whether it is inherited in a dominant pattern (you need one copy to be affected) or recessive (you need two copies), and what the next steps might be. For example, if you carry a mutation linked to hereditary breast cancer, the report will explain your increased risk and may recommend more frequent screening or preventive measures.
A genetic counselor at Invitae or through your healthcare provider will review your results with you. This counselor can answer questions about what the findings mean for you and your family members, and can help you decide what to do with the information.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of an Invitae test varies depending on which test you order and whether insurance covers it. If your doctor orders the test for a medical reason — such as a family history of a genetic condition or symptoms that suggest a genetic cause — your insurance may cover part or all of the cost. Coverage depends on your specific plan and what the test is for.
If insurance does not cover the test or you do not have insurance, Invitae offers self-pay pricing. The company also has a financial information program for people who cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost. You can contact Invitae directly to ask about your coverage or to discuss payment options before you order.
Some employers and health systems have partnerships with Invitae that may reduce or eliminate your cost if you are part of their plan.
What Invitae Tests Can and Cannot Do
Invitae offers different test panels depending on what conditions your doctor wants to screen for. Common panels include tests for hereditary cancer risk, heart disease genes, rare genetic disorders, and carrier status for recessive conditions. The company also offers whole exome sequencing, which looks at a much larger portion of your DNA.
However, Invitae tests have limits. They look only at the genes included in the specific test you order — they do not scan your entire genome unless you choose whole exome sequencing. A negative result (no variants found) does not mean you will never develop a condition; it means no known disease-causing mutations were detected in the genes tested. Some conditions are caused by environmental factors, lifestyle, or genes that scientists have not yet identified.
Invitae also does not test for conditions that require a physical examination or imaging to diagnose, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, though genetic factors may play a role in those conditions.
Privacy and What Happens to Your Data
When you submit a sample to Invitae, the company stores your genetic information in a find database. Invitae says it does not sell your genetic data to third parties, but it may use your data for research purposes if you consent to that use. You can choose whether to allow your data to be used for research when you complete your test.
Your results are protected by federal privacy laws, including HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) if your test was ordered through a healthcare provider. You can request that your data be deleted from Invitae's database, though this may limit your ability to access your results later.
It is worth understanding that genetic information can sometimes reveal unexpected family relationships or health information about relatives who did not consent to testing. If you have concerns about privacy or family implications, discuss them with a genetic counselor before you order the test.
When to Consider Genetic Testing Through Invitae
Genetic testing makes sense if you have a family history of a genetic condition, if you have symptoms that might be genetic in origin, or if you want to know whether you carry genes for a condition that runs in your family. It can also help if you have been diagnosed with a condition and want to understand its genetic basis or assess risk for relatives.
You should not use genetic testing as a substitute for medical care or diagnosis. If you have symptoms or health concerns, see your doctor first. Your doctor or a genetic counselor can then determine whether testing through Invitae is the right next step and which test panel would be most useful.
Genetic testing can raise emotional and family questions — learning that you carry a mutation for a serious condition, or that you are a carrier for a recessive disorder, can be difficult. Having a genetic counselor to discuss results and implications is an important part of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get results from Invitae?
Results typically arrive within one to two weeks of the lab receiving your sample. The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the test and current lab volume. Invitae will send you an email notification when your results are ready to view online.
Can I order an Invitae test without a doctor's order?
In most cases, you need a doctor or genetic counselor to order the test. Some states allow direct-to-consumer genetic testing without a doctor's order, but coverage and access to genetic counseling may be limited. Check with Invitae about what is available in your state.
What if my results show I carry a gene mutation?
Carrying a mutation does not always mean you will develop a condition — it depends on whether the mutation is dominant or recessive, and on other genetic and environmental factors. A genetic counselor will explain what your specific result means and discuss options for monitoring, prevention, or treatment with your doctor.
Will my insurance cover an Invitae test?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason your doctor orders the test. Tests ordered for medical reasons — such as family history or symptoms — are more likely to be covered than tests ordered for general screening. Contact your insurance company or Invitae's billing team to find out what your plan covers before you order.
Can I share my results with family members?
Yes, you can share your results with relatives, as they may have inherited the same mutation. However, genetic information can affect family relationships and decisions. Consider discussing results with a genetic counselor before sharing them with family members, especially if the findings are significant.