Hello there, folks!
I'm lucky to live in a city where the INVTRO lab network is super well-known. In fact, there are seven branches of the network right here in Belgorod.
I've been taking my analyses to INVTRO for more than ten years now - my first analysis in the app is dated 2015, if I recall correctly.
It's probably safe to say that there wasn't an app like this before 2015.I've only been to two of the seven INVTRO branches in my city - one I visit regularly, and the other I visit occasionally. So, I'll be sharing my experience based on these two branches.
Let me be upfront - the two branches I've visited are identical in terms of atmosphere, approach, and cleanliness. I thought this might be a unique feature of INVTRO, but it's the same everywhere I've been.✅INVTRO DOCUMENT FILING AND PAYMENT
All my data is stored in the computer. I'm not even sure if I brought my passport on my first visit, but it's never been required since. The only exception is the HIV test - maybe there are other tests that require it too, but for basic ones (biochemistry, hormones, etc.) a document isn't needed.
The administrators (just like all the lab staff) are client-oriented, attentive, and polite. They always ask if I've eaten or not before the test, and they help me with the schedule. The document-filing process is quick and smooth.
There are multiple payment options available, including a terminal for non-cash payments.
The area for filing documents is spacious, with plenty of room to undress and sit down. There are slippers and a water cooler available, and the place is spotless.
Hours of operation:
✅ BLOOD DRAW
The phlebotomy process takes place in a separate room, which is spacious and well-lit. As soon as you step into the procedure room, you get this feeling that everything is spotless!
For patients, there's a super-comfortable chair with big armrests. One of them holds your hand while the blood is being taken. It's really cozy.
The phlebotomist in the procedure room is a whole different story. She's always in a great mood, asks if you've eaten, how you're feeling, and if you're okay with the blood draw – she even cracks a joke or two. I always leave Invitro in a great mood.
The phlebotomist always shows you how she opens a new needle, and after the blood draw, she shows you the tube with your name on it for quality control.
The blood draw is almost imperceptible – it doesn't hurt at all! I don't know how Invitro manages to hire such skilled staff. The phlebotomists are true professionals in their field.
After the blood draw, they put gauze on the needle site and bandage your hand. I've never had any bruising.
✅ RESULTS
You can get your test results either in person or online through the website or app.
The Invitro app is super convenient – you have access to all your test results. Plus, you don't need to open each result individually to track your progress; you can choose a specific parameter and see its values over time.
You can track your progress on a graph.
Nowadays, many private labs offer this service, but Invitro was the first to provide online results in my area.
As for the turnaround time, everything was always crystal clear – no delays for me.
✅ VALUE FOR MONEY
Prices for lab tests at Invitro aren't the cheapest in town, but they've got a loyalty program that makes it worth considering. I've seen cheaper labs around here, but Invitro's got a system in place for repeat customers. They used to have these discount cards
, but they've since switched to a different system . As a regular, I get a 10% discount. Before, I had to flash the card every time I came in, but now my discount is stored in their system and it applies automatically.I've also gotten notifications about special deals on specific tests, like when I got a discount on a vitamin D blood test. And, of course, there are always promo codes floating around online that can get you a small discount. Not huge, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Anyway, everything about Invitro was great, and their labs were totally fine with me! But a little over a year ago, something weird happened with the results of my tests.
✅ TEST RESULTS
I've been going to Invitro for years to get my blood tested, and I never thought anything could go wrong with the results. I'd heard stories from friends, but I just couldn't believe that someone would intentionally mess up a blood test or, worse, not do it at all and just fake the results. I still can't believe it. But, here's my story.
I've been dealing with tonsils for what feels like an eternity. My doctor would regularly irrigate them and gently suggest that I consider having them removed, but I was always adamant against it. She'd do it gently because I'd never gotten sick with strep throat, and my test results were always normal. I'd also periodically get my blood tested for Anti-Streptolysin (ASLO). I'd get this test done at Invitro, and it would measure the presence of streptococcal infections in my body. And guess what? My ASLO levels were always within normal range and pretty consistent at Invitro:
But then in June 2022, I got my ASLO tested at my local clinic, and to my surprise, the result was way higher than normal: 238.
My rheumatologist was pushing for the removal of my tonsils, but I kept putting it off. By October, I'd done another test with Invitro, and the results were almost identical to before: 126. I was relieved to think it was just a one-off spike in June, but my rheumatologist wasn't convinced. He said that ASL-O levels can't drop that quickly on their own. He trusts the tests from my local clinic more than those from Invitro. I went back for another test in January 2023 at the clinic, and the results were even higher than in June: 254. My rheumatologist came to the same conclusion as I did: Invitro's results weren't reliable.I was living with strep infection and had no idea, thanks to Invitro!
When it comes to health, you can't afford to get it wrong. My rheumatologist recommended I switch to the clinic for my tests: they're done at the local hospital, which is a government-run institution that's more trustworthy than a private lab.
That's my story. Since then, I've never gone back to Invitro.
✅ FINAL VERDICT
To be honest, I loved everything about Invitro's labs. I even miss them when I need to go for tests. But when it comes down to it, I need accurate results and high-quality tests. Unfortunately, Invitro doesn't deliver on that.
I wouldn't recommend them.
Thanks for sticking with me. Stay healthy!
P.S. I'm glad I finally got my tonsils out! If you're interested, check out my review:
Tonsil Removal (Surgical Method)