It has been over two decades since the completion of the Human Genome Project, which was a groundbreaking biomedical initiative to sequence the entire human DNA. It has made genetic testing as accessible as it is today — and even enabled medical practitioners to provide more precise advice for health and longevity.

Invitae is one example of how companies leverage DNA sequencing technology to help people understand their genetic predispositions and make better health choices. It offers medical-grade testing, and some of its services may also have insurance coverage.

Unfortunately, Invitae had to file for bankruptcy in early 2024 and has now been sold to Labcorp in an attempt to remain operative and restore profit. As a result, many people are left wondering whether they should still consider ordering from the platform.

This Invitae genetic testing review will shed more light on the company’s current services. We will look at the quality of its health analyses as well as some key logistical aspects of the platform.

Invitae DNA testing: An overview

Invitae was founded in 2010 with the goal of integrating genetic testing with mainstream medicine. It serves as a common platform for medical professionals and individuals to access detailed genetic health insights.

The platform currently offers the following two types of at-home DNA test kits, which need to be ordered via a physician:

1. Diagnostic test kit: Supports the process of diagnosis for specific conditions such as cancers and neurodevelopmental disorders.

2. Proactive test kit: Helps you understand if you're genetically predisposed to developing conditions like cancer and heart disease so you can consider the necessary medical interventions and take preventive measures.

Additionally, Invitae’s test kits can be ordered for specific screening goals, such as breast cancer or metabolic disorders — you may have to order more than one test depending on your symptoms or curiosities.

Source: Invitae

Patients in the U.S. and Canada can use their Invitate test results to access personalized genetic counseling. The counselors can help you:

• Identify potential health conditions early on

• Clarify diagnoses

• Understand better management and treatment options

Note: The counseling services are not available if you get a personalized cancer monitoring test.

How does Invitae work?

To order a test from Invitae, you will have to go through a healthcare provider. They will approve the order after a quick review of your health history. Here’s how you can request an order online:

1. Access the Invitae online portal.

2. Fill out the form to begin the ordering process.

3. Get a pre-test consultation from an Invitae medical partner (this is typically a 1:1 phone consultation).

4. Place the order after getting approved.

Once the kit arrives, you can provide your sample and mail it back. Invitae collects a variety of samples, such as whole blood, saliva, or buccal swabs, depending on the type of test. 

Source: Invitae

Invitae review: 6 factors to consider

The next sections will help you gain a thorough understanding of Invitae’s services and decide whether they’re right for you. We’ll analyze the following aspects:

1. Variety in health analyses

2. Interpretation of results

3. Turnaround time

4. Privacy and security

5. Pricing and insurance coverage

6. User opinions

1. Variety in health analyses

Invitae’s health analyses can be categorized into four sections, as outlined in the table below:

| Analysis type            | Description                                                                              | Number of genes analyzed |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Cancer screening         | Provides 15+ tests to assess your risk of developing different cancers.                  | Up to 65                 |
| Cardio screening         | Assesses your risk of developing hereditary heart disease.                                | Up to 83                 |
| Genetic health screening | Assesses your risk of developing hereditary cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. | Up to 167                |
| Diagnostic testing       | Confirms or rules out specific conditions you may be at risk of developing.              | Varies

Note: As of September 2024, we could only find diagnostic testing as an option for ordering. The other three options seem unavailable.

Source: Invitae

As far as the validity of results is concerned, Invitae uses a combination of multi-gene panels and exome sequencing for DNA testing. It has proprietary software to analyze your exome, which is roughly 1–2% of your entire DNA. Depending on the test ordered, the platform may analyze a single gene or a small subset of genes. While the overall technology is robust, there’s still room for false negatives and occasional errors.

Tip: If you need clinical-grade, all-in-one health screening, Nucleus might be a better option to consider. The platform brings you at-home, physician-approved DNA tests that can map your risk for key health concerns, including cancers and heart conditions, at a single price point.

Nucleus uses whole-genome sequencing to analyze almost 100% of your DNA, giving you comprehensive insights into your health with 99.9% accuracy. The platform can also connect you with genetic counselors for precise diagnostic advice. Order your Nucleus Premium DNA test kit today. 

Source: Nucleus

2. Interpretation of results

Invitae’s reports present information in a way that’s easily understandable for most people. They include clear steps and even disclose the performance characteristics of each finding. 

Like any testing service, Invitae may miss a few genes, but the results are generally trusted by medical professionals. Still, it’s best to have your healthcare provider interpret your results and get tailored advice.

At times, Invitae’s technology may fail to identify the significance of certain variants or genetic differences. In such cases, it’s best you work with a specialist to understand the variant’s impact on your health. Here’s what one user shared:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ehlersdanlos/comments/143gfxh/comment/jnfvssn/)

Source: Invitae

Bonus reads: Learn about other services that use advanced DNA sequencing technology:

• Nebula Genomics review

• Sequencing.com review

• Sequencing.com vs. Nebula

3. Turnaround time

Invitae’s turnaround depends on the kind of testing you need. Refer to the following table for more details:

| Test                        | Turnaround time* |
| --------------------------- | ----------------- |
| Panel and proactive testing | 10–21 days        |
| STAT panels                 | 5–12 days         |
| Exome sequencing            | Around 6–8 weeks

*The estimates refer to the period starting when Invitae receives the sample. 

Access to your results may be delayed during the holiday season or due to scheduling issues with your healthcare provider. Some recent Invitae customers reported receiving their results late, though.

4. Privacy and security

Invitae is HIPAA-compliant, and its labs are CLIA and CAP-certified, demonstrating its dedication to privacy, security, and testing integrity. Your health data is de-identified if used for research. There are no publicly available reports of Invitae suffering a data breach or any other security incidents.

5. Pricing and insurance coverage

Invitae’s pricing varies based on the test you choose and the breadth of its testing technology. According to Labcorp, most U.S. health insurance plans cover the cost of Invitae’s diagnostic testing. Still, you may have to bear some out-of-pocket expenses of $250 or more, depending on your location.

For uninsured customers, Invitae offers relief in the form of sponsorships and financial assistance programs. You may also qualify for reduced pricing if a family member received a positive diagnosis with Invitae.

It’s important to note that many customers reported billing-related issues with Invitae. There have been instances of customers being charged months after the company informed them that most of their bill would be covered by insurance. Here’s what one user experienced:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ehlersdanlos/comments/143gfxh/comment/k4rs4n9/)

If you’re considering taking an Invitae test, it’s best to talk to your insurance provider beforehand to avoid billing-related confusion down the line.

Bonus reads: If you’re interested in budget DNA testing options, you can explore the following guides:

• 23andMe review

• MyHeritage review

• MyHeritage vs. 23andMe

• 23andMe alternatives

• InsideTracker review

6. User opinions

Invitae has been in a rough patch since 2023 — and user sentiment reflects that. Invitae’s more recent reviews on Google and Yelp are overwhelmingly negative, and it also has a D- rating with the Better Business Bureau. Most negative Invitae reviews relate to:

• Processing errors and delays

• Billing and insurance coverage

• Customer support, or lack thereof

These issues are mostly operational, which can be expected since a company is going through a transitional phase after its sale to Labcorp.

Here’s a summary of our Invitae review:

| Pros                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | Cons                                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| • Medical-grade, physician-ordered testing <br> • Exome sequencing with high accuracy <br> • Clear and actionable health reports<br>Genetic counseling services <br> • Insurance coverage and price relief initiatives                   | • Numerous operational issues (as of September 2024) <br> • Some unavailable tests <br> • Customer support not as

Final thoughts: Is Invitae worth it? 

Invitae has many great points in its favor, including its advanced testing technology, high standards for accuracy and privacy, and financial assistance. Still, its operational issues and limited testing options are hard to ignore. For users who value reliability, Invitae is no longer the go-to option for clinical-grade DNA testing.

If you’re looking for an all-around reliable and scientifically robust DNA platform, consider testing with Nucleus. 

Nucleus is the most affordable clinical-grade whole-genome testing platform in the U.S. Like Invitae, Nucleus provides physician-approved testing as well as offers genetic counseling services via SteadyMD to help you and your family access their healthiest selves. What makes the platform stand out is its focus on whole-genome sequencing technology, which analyzes about 6 billion data points in your DNA to give you comprehensive genetic insights.

Source: Nucleus Genomics via X

Access all-in-one health insights with Nucleus

Nucleus offers an all-in-one DNA test that analyzes your sample for 170+ diseases and conditions. From breast cancer and alcohol dependence to ADHD and multiple sclerosis, the platform gives you clear data on your likelihood of developing these conditions. Nucleus also accounts for your lifestyle factors and ancestry to prepare more precise and personalized health insights.

Besides health information, the platform also provides groundbreaking reports on how your genetics affect your traits and IQ. One of the biggest benefits of Nucleus testing is that you have a greater chance of uncovering the rare and high-effect genetic variants that cause serious illnesses but are typically never detected by other tests on the market.

[X](https://x.com/nucleusgenomics/status/1778541735003718010)

As a HIPAA-compliant company, Nucleus is fully regulated and follows strict standards to protect your data. Nucleus labs are CAP and CLIA-certified — your samples are processed in the U.S. and on U.S. machines.

Order your Nucleus whole-genome kit

The whole-genome sequencing test is available with Nucleus Premium, which costs $399 and unlocks every report available. If you choose, the platform will also deliver ongoing report updates based on new research or your lifestyle changes. Here’s how to order the kit:

1. Sign up for Nucleus Premium

2. Provide your personal information

3. Order the kit

When the kit arrives, you need to provide cheek swabs as samples and mail them back in the provided envelope. You’ll get your results online — typically in around 6–8 weeks.

Nucleus is HSA- and FRA-approved, so you can access it with your health savings plan.

You may also like…

Check out our other reviews to learn about different DNA testing options:

1. InsideTracker alternatives

2. CRI Genetics vs. 23andMe

3. Ancestry.com review

4. Ancestry.com alternatives

5. MyHeritage vs. Ancestry.com

6. Ancestry.com vs. 23andMe

7. Rupa Health review 

8. tellmeGen review 

Featured image source: Tara Winstead