TETERBORO, N.J., MAY 13, 1998-Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) announced today that its specialty testing laboratory and
research and development center, Nichols Institute in San Juan Capistrano, California, is
the first national clinical laboratory in North America to successfully achieve ISO 9001
certification.
The ISO 9000 series was first recognized in the European Community. It was developed by
the International Organization for Standardization, located in Geneva, Switzerland, to
define business processes which, if followed, ensure that organizations meet
internationally agreed-upon standards of quality. After an organization applies for ISO
registration, independent auditors conduct an exhaustive inspection to verify the
applicants quality systems and documentation against the published standards for all
business operations, including the organizations non-technical functions.
The ISO 9001 designation awarded to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute is the
most comprehensive level of certification, encompassing quality management and document
control systems for design, development and performance of diagnostic clinical laboratory
testing, information and services.
Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Diagnostics, said,
"We are proud of the achievement our Nichols Institute team has attained,
representing nearly two years of diligent effort. It further demonstrates our strong
commitment to delivering the highest quality services to our customers. The certification
is particularly important as demand grows for leading-edge molecular testing for
infectious diseases, oncology and genetics."
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is one of the nation's leading providers of diagnostic
testing, information and services with laboratories across the United States. The wide
variety of tests performed on human tissue and fluids help doctors and hospitals diagnose,
treat and monitor disease. Nichols Institute conducts research, specializes in esoteric
testing using genetic screening and other advanced technologies and performs clinical
studies testing. Nichols Institute Diagnostics manufactures and distributes diagnostic
test kits and instruments. Quest Informatics collects and analyzes laboratory,
pharmaceutical and other data to help large health care customers identify and monitor
patients who are at risk for certain diseases. Visit our web site at:
www.questdiagnostics.com
The statements in this press release which are not historical
facts or information are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different.
Certain of these risks and uncertainties are listed in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
1997 Form 10-K.