Invitae accepts sample types listed below and offers free kits for sample collection. Please visit our Request a Kit page to learn more and contact Client Services if you require any assistance. For more information about specimen and shipping requirements, visit our FAQ page.
For diagnostic and proactive testing, saliva is the easiest specimen for patients to provide from home and enables results just as accurate as blood.
Invitae also accepts DNA that has been isolated in other laboratories, although there are assay limitations for previously-extracted DNA specimens (for details, please see the “DNA” section below). Please note that we cannot accept DNA specimens for STAT testing at this time.
Hematologic malignancy:
Results may be affected for blood or saliva samples from patients with hematological malignancies that are actively circulating in the peripheral blood. In such cases, a specimen type not derived from blood or saliva is suggested, such as gDNA from a skin biopsy. Please see the "DNA" section for more information and click here to learn more.
To request a free OrageneTM kit, visit our Request a Kit page.
Hematologic malignancy:
Results may be affected for blood or saliva samples from patients with hematological malignancies that are actively circulating in the peripheral blood. In such cases, a specimen type not derived from blood or saliva is suggested, such as gDNA from a skin biopsy. Please see the "DNA" tab above for more information and click here to learn more.
Accepted for the following test types:
Minimum volume is 7 mL per tube
10-mL black & tan top Streck cell-free DNA tubes (2 tubes)
Use a 21-gauge straight needle to draw (butterfly needles can result in redraw)
Gently invert tubes at least 10 times immediately after draw
Each tube must be labeled with:
The patient name and at least one additional unique identifier written on each tube must match the name and identifier provided when the test order was placed. We recommend including more than one additional unique identifier to ensure a match.
If you want to apply your own label to the tube with this information, the label CANNOT wrap fully around the tube, there must be a space where the team can see through the glass so they can extract the plasma layer.
Storage instructions:
A printed copy of the requisition form must be submitted with the specimen if you're not placing your order through the online portal. You can find and print a copy of the requisition form here. If you're placing an online order, a printed copy of the requisition form is helpful but not required. Please note that notes handwritten on the form will not be processed. If you need to modify your order, please contact client services.
Please note: If a NIPS order form is received with incomplete patient sex information, the patient sex will automatically be marked as female.
To assist with specimen collection and shipping, you can request a free Invitae NIPS collection kit by submitting our online Request a Kit form.
Due to the sensitivity of this sample, please send NIPS kits in the pink plastic FedEx mailer included with this kit. Sending these samples in the pink mailer allows us to easily identify these time-sensitive samples. Using any other mailers may jeopardize the sample quality and turn-around time. A maximum of two kits can be included in each mailer.
Shipping address:
Attn: Client Services
Invitae Corporation
1400 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Invitae accepts NIPS packages Monday through Saturday. We recommend that you send your package so that it leaves your facility Monday through Friday. Please do not request Sunday delivery. Invitae follows the FedEx Holiday Service Schedule.
For international samples:
We accept DNA purified from peripheral venous whole blood for panel, single-gene, and exome testing.
DNA must be extracted in a CLIA or other suitably certified laboratory.
DNA from the following sources is also accepted; however, DNA isolated from these sources is more likely to fail to meet our quality standards for read-through sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis:
If submitting a paper order form, please handwrite this information on the form. If ordering online, you will be prompted print a copy of the online requisition form where you can handwrite this information.
Embryo biopsies are accepted for preimplantation genetic testing for chromosomal aneuploidy (PGT-A) and structural rearrangements/translocations (PGT-SR). PGT-SR is accepted on a case by case basis and requires a completed PGT referral form and approval from Invitae’s medical team prior to sample submission.
Please see the complete guide to biopsy and shipping instructions for PGT.
KIT PACKAGING
Small shipper (1–2 patients)
Large shipper (up to 4 patients)
SHIPPING
We do not accept shipments on Sundays. Please ensure your shipment arrives Monday-Saturday, otherwise your shipment may be rejected.
Please send your sample within two weeks of biopsy.
Ship samples for overnight delivery to:
Invitae Corporation
1400 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
If you are shipping your specimen from outside the United States:
Pricing includes return shipping when sent from: Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Dry ice coordination is the sender’s responsibility. Your shipping carrier will require three copies of a commercial (pro-forma) invoice. A sample invoice is available here. Please be sure to also include a customs declaration letter. A sample customs declaration letter is available here.
The patient name and at least one additional unique identifier written on the tube (such as DOB) must match the name and identifier provided when the test order was placed. We recommend including more than one additional unique identifier to ensure a match.
Estimate your out-of-pocket cost for Invitae tests related to a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, colorectal, or uterine cancer.
The amount shown above is an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost based upon the information you entered about your health insurance coverage. It is not a confirmation that the test has been authorized by your insurance provider. Your final cost may vary based upon your health plan design, deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket limits. Learn More >
As part of Invitae’s dedication to making high-quality genetic testing affordable and accessible, we also offer a patient pre-pay option of $250. Learn More >
We could not determine an out-of-pocket estimate. Please contact us for assistance.