Provider FAQs: Ordering
Invitae tests
- What does Invitae test for?
We're dedicated to lowering the barriers for clinicians and patients to use genetic information across all stages of life.
Adult inherited testing
We offer gene panels and single-gene testing for a broad range of clinical areas including hereditary cancer, cardiology, neurology, metabolic disorders, immunology, and hematology. To view our complete adult inherited test catalog, please visit our test catalog.
For these tests, Invitae offers:
- full sequencing with deletion/duplication analysis included at no additional charge
- the ability to order any combination of genes and panels within a single clinical area and to re-requisition additional genes if needed, at no additional charge
- a family follow-up testing program for the relatives of patients who receive a positive result
- clinical support services, including on-demand clinical consultations for healthcare providers and post-test genetic counseling services for patients
Genetic risk testing
Genetic Risk Panels are a testing option for healthy adults who may not meet genetic testing guidelines or have limited family history and want to focus on prevention. Test results have a clear medical basis and are clinically actionable. To view our complete genetic risk assessment offering, please visit our test catalog.
Pediatric testing
Invitae’s pediatric genetics offering includes chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) as well as gene panels and whole exome testing.
Chromosomal microarray for developmental disorders - We offer microarray testing for individuals with developmental disorders, congenital anomalies and/or autism spectrum disorder. Our testing evaluate chromosomal abnormalities that can result in developmental disorders. Learn more about microarray testing options here.
Pediatric panel testing - Pediatric panel testing covers a wide range of indications, including epilepsy, developmental disorders, cardiovascular disorders, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis, skeletal disorders, skin disorders, and pediatric oncology. Pediatric panel testing offers the same benefits as our adult inherited testing, including full sequencing with deletion/duplication analysis; the ability to order any combination of genes and panels within a single clinical area and to re-requisition additional genes if needed; family follow-up testing; and clinical support services.
Invitae Exome sequencing - Invitae Exome sequencing provides a rigorous analysis of an individual’s exome through a systematic evaluation of genetic variants informed by the patient’s clinical presentation and medical history.
- Can I request further testing (re-requisition) for a patient who was previously tested at Invitae?
Yes, for diagnostic panel testing, Invitae's re-requisition service is offered at no additional charge—so you have the flexibility you need to order the right genes at the right pace.
To learn more about this program, please visit our re-requisition page.
Please note, we are unable to offer re-requisition from a panel test to exome at this time. If you would like to proceed with the Invitae Exome sequencing, please submit a new order and specimen(s).
- Do you offer BRCA testing?
Yes, we offer full-gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2, including all coding exons +/- 20 bp, as well as selected non-coding but clinically relevant single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels. For no additional charge, you can upgrade to one of our broader hereditary cancer panels, which also include other hereditary cancer genes. See Invitae's cancer panels here.
- Do you offer a BRCA1/2 Ashkenazi Jewish panel or multisite panel?
We do not offer a test that is specifically limited to the three common Ashkenazi Jewish pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2; however, the Invitae BRCA1 and BRCA2 Panel (or any panel including these genes) will detect the three common BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, along with any other reportable variants in those genes.
- Is a Tyrer-Cuzick score offered with hereditary cancer reports?
Yes. We offer the ability to request a Tyrer-Cuzick score on hereditary cancer reports that include at least BRCA1 and/or BRCA2. For more information on Tyrer-Cuzick, please see this document.
- Is single-site testing offered?
No. We don’t offer targeted-mutation analysis. We offer both family variant testing and VUS resolution which involves full analysis of the gene in which the original family member's variant was identified. Visit our family follow-up testing page for additional information.
- Do you offer testing for mitochondrial inherited conditions?
We currently offer testing for some nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. However, we do not offer testing for mitochondrial encoded genes.
- Do you offer testing for autism?
The genetic evaluation of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) should be customized to their medical, developmental, and family history.1,2
We offer Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA), which is recommended by ACMG as a first-tier clinical diagnostic test for individuals with ASDs. CMA in this patient population has an overall diagnostic yield of approximately 10%.1 Genetic testing for Fragile X-Related Disorders is also available and supported as routine genetic testing for males with autism by ACMG, with a diagnostic yield of 1-5%.1 The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports CMA, Fragile X syndrome testing, and/or testing for specific diagnoses, such as Rett syndrome in females with autism and characteristic clinical features.2
We also offer the Invitae Neurodevelopmental Disorders Panel, which analyzes over 200 genes associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder. Given the clinical overlap of these conditions, broad panel testing allows for an efficient evaluation of many potential genes based on a single clinical indication. This panel complements CMA (+/- Fragile X syndrome testing) to evaluate variations (e.g. single base pair changes, indels, exon-level deletions/duplications) within genes associated with NDDs that are not captured by CMA.
For patients who remain on a diagnostic odyssey following more routine genetic evaluations for ASDs, we also offer exome sequencing. In a recent meta-analysis investigating the diagnostic yield of exome for NDDs, the diagnostic yield of exome overall was 36% and 31% for isolated NDD.3 Furthermore, ACMG supports exome as a first- or second-tier test for patients with developmental delay or intellectual disability with onset prior to age 18 years. Formal recommendations for exome in individuals with ASDs remain under consideration by ACMG.4
References
1. Schaefer GB, Mendelsohn NJ. Genet Med. 2013;15(5):399-407. PMID: 23519317.
2. Hyman SL, et al.Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447. PMID: 31843864.
3. Srivastava S, et al.Genet Med. 2019;21(11):2413-2421. PMID: 31182824.
4. Manickam K, et al. Genet Med. 2021;23(11):2029-2037. PMID: 34211152. - Who can be tested with trio exome analysis?
Trio exome sequencing is currently designed to test the parents and the child. While we recognize that in some instances analysis could be more powerful with a different combination of relatives, our current process does not support other combinations for duos or trios (affected or unaffected). We aim to offer analysis of non-traditional duos/trios in the future.
- Do you need a positive control?
We don't accept family member samples as positive controls when the variant is a single nucleotide variant (SNV) or multi-exon copy number variation.
Instead, we request a copy of the family member's report with the relevant variant information (e.g., coding DNA and protein coordinates) included. Positive controls are not needed in these cases because we use a full next-generation sequencing and CNV analysis assay for all testing, including family variant testing. We do not use PCR/Sanger sequencing like some other labs do.
Therefore, the assay that we use for family variant testing is fully validated for all of the genes we routinely test, and our ability to detect variants of this class using this assay has been well established.
Furthermore, our capture pull-down is not susceptible to the kind of allele-dropout that can be an issue with PCR/Sanger-based mutation detection. For all of these reasons, a positive control is not required/accepted for high-confidence family variant testing.
- I cannot find the gene I am looking for in your test menu. Can you custom design a test for the gene?
If a gene is not listed in our menu, we are not able to offer customized testing for that gene. However, we continuously review the content of our testing menu and welcome suggestions. You are welcome to submit a gene/panel suggestion by contacting us here.
Ordering
- How do I submit an order?
Diagnostic panels and genetic risk testing: Place your order online for a more efficient order processing, faster report delivery, and access to additional online features. You can also use a paper requisition form (available on our forms page).
Exome testing: Exome testing is ordered exclusively online. To learn more about how to set up an account and place an order, visit our how to place an order page for more detailed instructions.
For more information on ordering via Invitae's online portal, please see the portal ordering FAQ page.
- Can I fill out a requisition on behalf of a physician in my clinic?
Yes. Keep in mind that whoever places the order will be the primary point of contact for status updates and outreach related to the requisition. If you are ordering as a clinical representative, enter the ordering physician’s details in the Order Authorization portion of the order. Please be sure to enter the physician’s email address if he or she would like to receive a copy of the report.
- How can I make changes to (or cancel) an order that I have already submitted?
If you wish to make any changes to a submitted order, please contact Client Services and we will be able to assist you.
If you wish to cancel an order for which the specimen has already arrived to the laboratory, please submit the order cancellation request form and submit it to Client Services by emailing clientservices@invitae.com or faxing 415-276-4164 it. Alternatively, cancel an order through your provider portal.
- What are preliminary-evidence genes?
We pride ourselves on the quality of our gene curation. Our primary panels contain genes for which there is definitive evidence in the literature or from expert consensus that variants in these genes cause specific diseases. Preliminary-evidence genes are genes that are also selected from a review of the literature and expert recommendations, but they're given the preliminary designation because currently there is only early evidence of a relationship between variants in these genes and specific diseases.
Some genes are designated preliminary-evidence because rare variants have been identified in patients, but these variants have not been proven to cause the disease. For others, the association between the gene and a specific disease has not been definitively established and additional studies are needed to strengthen the evidence. We highlight the difference between definitive-evidence and preliminary-evidence genes to help clinicians choose the most appropriate test for their patient.
Why would I include preliminary-evidence genes in my panel?
Adding preliminary-evidence genes can increase the number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and can reveal pathogenic variants of uncertain relevance to the patient’s condition. However, this uncertainty may be resolved as new information becomes available, and some clinicians may wish to include these genes in their investigation.
How can I add preliminary-evidence genes to a primary panel?
Preliminary-evidence genes can be added by simply selecting the “opt-in” checkbox next to the list of genes.
What if I am unsure what to order?
With our flexible test options, clinicians can feel confident starting with only the genes they are comfortable with. Then, if they do not get the answers they need with their initial selection of genes, clinicians can submit a re-requisition for the analysis of additional genes within the original clinical area, at no additional charge.* We also offer Clinical Consultation Services for clinicians who wish to discuss cases with genetic counseling experts.
*Please see our flexible follow-up testing page for requirements and additional details on re-requisition.
- Invitae's diagnostic panel pricing is "per clinical area." What does this mean?
Invitae’s test options are designed to support flexibility and the ability to customize orders while making bills manageable. Our panel tests are billed per clinical area, which means a clinician can select a pre-curated test, combine multiple tests, or customize their own test for each patient—including re-requisition within a clinical specialty (e.g., cardiology) in a single billable test.
Orders that include genes in two different clinical areas will require two sample tubes and result in two reports generated by two different teams of clinical experts and two billable tests.
Click here to learn more in the Clinical areas section below.
- Can I submit an order for an unaffected minor (under 18 years old)?
For orders that are part of our genetic risk assessment menu
No, we won't accept orders on minors for any of Labcorp's Invitae Genetic Risk Panels. Risk assessment testing is intended for healthy adults who wish to learn more about their genetic risks for a number of inherited disorders.For orders that are part of our diagnostic menu
We'll accept orders regardless of affected status or age as we ultimately defer to the ordering provider to determine the most appropriate test for their patients. Please note that there are genes on our diagnostic menu in which pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants are associated with adult-onset conditions (either established or preliminary-evidence). Some professional medical societies encourage the deferment of predictive or pre-dispositional testing for adult-onset conditions until adulthood unless there is a clinical intervention appropriate in childhood (PMIDs 26140447, 23428972).For questions or concerns, please contact our Clinical Consultation Services team.
- Can patients order tests?
All of Invitae’s tests must be ordered in consultation with a clinician.
Patients in the United States are able to initiate an order online for diagnostic testing only. For any order initiated online by a patient, an independent clinician will review and authorize the order, as well as review the results before they are released to the patient. Patients can initiate the process through Genome Medical here.
- What is the Labcorp Genetics federal tax identification (tax ID) number?
The Labcorp Genetics federal tax ID for billing purposes is 99-2210303.
- What are the Labcorp Genetics national provider identifier (NPI) numbers?
The Labcorp Genetics NPI numbers are:
California: 1518713072
New Jersey: 1790531259
North Carolina: 1720834278 - Is your lab certified by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)?
Yes. We are certified as Labcorp Genetics Inc and our CLIA ID number is 05D2040778. A copy of our license can be viewed on the licensing information page.
- Is your lab accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP)?
Yes. We are accredited as Labcorp Genetics Inc and our CAP LAP number is 8770489 and our AU-ID is 1703789. A copy of our license can be viewed on the licensing information page.
- Do you accept samples from all states?
Yes, we currently accept samples from all US states, including New York. Please visit our test catalog to see which genes and tests are approved or under conditional approval by New York State to be performed at the laboratory.
Results
- How will I get the report?
When the report is ready, you will receive an email notification and be able to view and download it directly from your Invitae account. Contact Client Services if you would like us to send the report via fax.
- What is the turnaround time?
On average, turnaround times are as follows:
Panel and genetic risk testing: 10–21 calendar days
STAT panels: 5–12 calendar days
Exome sequencing: approximately 6-8 weeks
Please note that the turnaround time for all tests begins when the laboratory receives the sample(s).
- Is expedited report delivery an option for Invitae tests?
The Invitae Breast Cancer STAT Panel offers rapid results in 5–12 calendar days (7 days on average). This panel uses the same high-quality, peer-reviewed process as Invitae’s other diagnostic tests. It also includes the option to re-requisition additional genes if needed within 150 days of receiving the STAT report, at no additional charge.
- Will ordering fewer genes result in a shorter turnaround time?
No, our average turnaround time does not change depending on how many genes are ordered.
- What does an Invitae clinical report include?
Results and their clinical interpretations are presented in the form of a readily comprehensible clinical report with full transparency into the performance characteristics for each condition or gene. A sample diagnostic panel report can be found here.
- Can test results in Invitae's reports be provided in languages other than English?
Invitae's reports are only available in English.
- Can I request the release of a supplemental report alongside the standard clinical report?
Supplemental reports can only be requested after the standard report has been released.
- How do I include a comma-separated gene list on reports?
Ordering providers can choose to include a comma-separated list of genes tested on their reports. It will appear on a separate page at the end of the report. This list can be copied and pasted as needed for clinical documentation.
To enable this option:
- Log in to your Invitae account (www.invitae.com/signin).
- In the upper right corner of the screen, click on your name and select Settings.
- Click on the Preferences tab.
- Under Apply these preferences to orders I place, check the box beside Include comma-separated gene list on reports.
- Save your changes.
- The comma-separated list will appear on all future reports for orders you place.
Note: This setting is available only for diagnostic test reports and does not impact genetic risk or exome reports.
- Can I change the result banner on my report?
Based on customer feedback, we’ve added the ability to display an alternate banner on diagnostic reports that include only VUS results.
The default banner shows a scale icon and the text “Result: Uncertain.”
If you select the alternate banner, it will show a checkmark and the text “Result: No pathogenic variants identified.”
To enable this option:
Log in to your Invitae account (www.invitae.com/signin).
- In the upper right corner of the screen, click on your name and select Settings.
- Click on the Results tab.
- Under Report settings, toggle the setting on for Display alternate banner for VUS-only diagnostic reports.
- Save your changes.
- The alternate banner will appear on all future reports for orders you place.
Note: This setting is available only for diagnostic test reports and does not impact genetic risk or exome reports.
- My patient has a positive result in TP53 and the report says that they may qualify for the TP53 variant program. Could you please tell me more about the possible next steps?
We offer complimentary testing for pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in TP53 to help determine if the TP53 variant detected represents an inherited or acquired variant.
Clients must submit a pedigree so that we can determine which family members may qualify for complimentary testing. Patients also have the option to submit DNA cultured from fibroblasts for analysis at no additional charge. Please note: We do not accept fibroblasts directly. For further assistance, please contact our Clinical Consultation Services team.
Clinical areas
- Why do you separate your tests by clinical area?
We're committed to offering gene panels that are high quality, flexible, customizable, inexpensive, and—importantly—responsive to clinicians’ specific diagnostic questions or indications.
Dividing our tests by clinical area allows us to keep our costs down so that we can offer the lowest possible prices for patients. It’s analogous to what is done in the rest of clinical laboratory testing, where a diagnostic question in one disease area, such as chemistry (electrolytes, liver function, or renal function), might be addressed by a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) while a different diagnostic question about red cells, white cells, or platelets would require a complete blood count (CBC). The CMP and CBC are separate tests, performed on different blood samples using different assays, and billed separately.
- How can I determine which tests fall into which clinical area?
Invitae’s test catalog shows the exact boundaries of each clinical area. This clinical areas flyer also gives a broad overview.
We have made every effort to use standard of care clinical judgment when deciding which genes to assign to which clinical area. In addition, some genes have been assigned to more than one area when variants in those genes are relevant to more than one area. For example, many genes including GAA are included in both the neuromuscular disorders clinical area and the metabolic and newborn screening clinical area.
- What if the possible diagnosis for my patient could be caused by genes in more than one clinical area?
Nearly all test requisitions we receive fall into a single clinical area. We recognize, however, that it is possible for a suspected diagnosis to require a panel that includes genes from more than one clinical area. We encourage clinicians who encounter such a circumstance to contact Client Services. We intend to constantly improve our clinical area definitions and boundaries. Client feedback on the clinical utility of our testing will be key to this process.
- Invitae’s pricing is “per clinical area.” What does this mean?
Invitae’s test options are designed to support flexibility and the ability to customize orders while making bills manageable. Our panel tests are billed per clinical area, which means a clinician can select a pre-curated test, combine multiple tests, or customize their own test for each patient—including re-requisition within a clinical specialty (e.g., cardiology) in a single billable test.
Orders that include genes in two different clinical areas will require two sample tubes and result in two reports generated by two different teams of clinical experts and two billable tests.
Please view our online test catalog or clinical areas flyer to see the clinical areas. Note that all genes on our pre-curated panels—including their preliminary-evidence and add-on genes—fall within a single clinical area.
Genetic risk tests
- What are genetic risk assessment tests?
Labcorp's Invitae Genetic Risk Panels provide healthy individuals with the opportunity to learn more about their potential risks for certain genetic conditions. This type of testing is designed to provide results in a medically responsible way in collaboration with an individual’s healthcare provider, supporting proactive healthcare management.
The program includes Labcorp's Invitae Comprehensive Genetic Risk Panel, a broad test that covers a range of health conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other important health risks. We also offer a cancer-focused panel—Labcorp's Invitae Cancer Genetic Risk Panel. Learn more about genetic risk assessment offerings in our test catalog.
- What genes and conditions do the genetic risk tests analyze?
Labcorp’s Invitae Genetic Risk Panels analyze up to 163 genes associated with various inherited cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other important health risks. The Cancer Genetic Risk Panel tests 64 genes. The Comprehensive Genetic Risk Panel tests for all conditions included in the cancer test as well as additional actionable medical conditions.
View our test catalog to see more details or see the full list of genes and conditions covered here.
- How is this type of testing different from a diagnostic genetic test?
Genetic testing has been primarily offered to individuals with known health concerns in a medical setting. Individuals requiring such diagnostic testing typically have symptoms suggestive of a genetic disorder and/or a strong family history of certain inherited conditions. However, due to the growth of genetic knowledge and improvements in DNA sequencing technology, genetic testing is now also available to individuals seeking information before the onset of any potential clinical symptoms and/or without a strong family history.
While Labcorp’s Invitae Genetic Risk tests offer the same clinical quality as a diagnostic test, these panels are available to healthy adults who wish to learn more about their genetic risks for a number of serious inherited disorders.
Trying to understand whether diagnostic or genetic risk testing is right for your patient? We have this tool to help.
- What is included in the report for genetic risk testing?
This test is for healthy individuals without a personal or strong family history of the conditions tested. We’ll only report genetic variants when there is high confidence that they may significantly increase the risk of developing a disease. In these cases, Invitae classifies these variants as “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic.” We may also report “increased risk alleles” in our reports. Learn more with this guide.
Genetic changes with an uncertain clinical impact, called a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), are not reported, as these changes are not medically actionable. Over time, if the scientific and medical community identifies new evidence about how likely a particular VUS is to cause disease, a variant may change from VUS to likely pathogenic or pathogenic. If a VUS in a sample is reclassified to likely pathogenic or pathogenic, we’ll notify the clinician and issue an updated report.
Discovering that an individual carries a pathogenic or likely pathogenic change in one of the genes on this panel indicates that he or she has a significantly elevated risk for the associated condition. However, a positive result does not mean that the individual will develop the disorder.
Receiving a negative result also provides important information. This result indicates that an individual has reduced risk for developing these conditions due to a genetic basis according to the genetic information revealed by testing these genes and the current state of our knowledge. However, it does not eliminate his or her risk, because other potential causes, such as an individual’s family health history, different genes or non-genetic factors such as diet or lifestyle, also affect personal risk and health outcomes.
If your patient receives a positive test result, we offer family variant testing at no additional charge to eligible family members. Unlike our diagnostic panels, we do not offer re-requisitions or panel customization with our genetic risk tests.
- What type of clinical support is available for genetic risk testing?
We’re committed to offering genetic testing in a medically responsible way and can provide genetic counseling services to ordering clinicians and individuals undergoing testing. Our highly trained, board-certified genetic counselors can answer clinician questions throughout the process, as well as provide post-test genetic counseling to patients.*
The ordering healthcare provider can assist in referring patients for genetic counseling services with us as needed. Please see our genetic counseling page for more information.
*Offered in the United States (US), US territories, and Canada for patients who have undergone any currently offered Invitae genetic test.
Family variant testing
- Does Invitae offer follow-up family variant testing?
Yes. When a patient tests positive through one of Invitae's diagnostic or genetic risk panel tests, family variant testing is available to eligible family members. Our family variant testing reports on the variant(s) that was identified in the original family member, as well as any other pathogenic variant(s) found in the full gene. Visit our family follow-up testing page to learn more.
- How do I order family variant testing?
Please refer to our flexible follow-up testing page to learn how to order family variant testing.
- What types of variants are eligible for family variant testing?
Pathogenic (P), likely pathogenic (LP), and pathogenic low penetrance (PLP) results are eligible for family variant testing. This includes increased risk alleles.
Variants of uncertain significance (VUS), likely benign (LB), and benign (B) results are not eligible.
- What is the policy for family variant testing?
Orders must be submitted within 150 days of the original patient's test report date. In addition, samples for family variant testing must be received within 160 days of the original patient's test report date.
- What is the cost for family variant testing beyond the 150 days?
Family variant testing is available at full price after 150 days. Please consult our billing page for the latest information.
- What is the cost for family variant testing if the original patient testing was performed by a different lab?
If the original patient testing was performed by a lab other than Invitae, the cost for family variant testing is our standard price. Please consult our billing page for the latest information.
- Are family members of patients who utilize the Financial Assistance Program eligible for family variant testing at no additional cost?
Yes, family members of patients who utilize the Financial Assistance Program are eligible for family variant testing at no additional cost.
- Is exome eligible for family variant testing?
No. The Invitae Exome sequencing is not eligible for family variant testing at no additional cost.
- Does the family variant testing program change the re-requisition policy?
No. Our re-requisition policy has not changed. Please refer to our re-requisition information page for the policy.
Note that re-requisition is based on a standard Invitae test. Family members tested under Invitae's family variant testing program at no additional charge are not eligible for re-requisitions at no additional charge.
- If the original patient has both a pathogenic variant and variant(s) of uncertain significance (VUS), do you offer family variant testing?
Yes, if the original patient has both a pathogenic variant and VUS, we'll offer family variant testing for both at no additional charge.
- Is mobile phlebotomy available for family variant testing?
Saliva is the easiest specimen for patients to provide from home and enables results just as accurate as blood (saliva and assisted saliva kits are available). However, if required, Invitae can arrange an in-home blood draw for patients in the US or Canada at no additional charge. If placing your order online, simply request a blood draw during the ordering process. Otherwise, please contact Client Services to learn more or to schedule a blood draw appointment.