TETERBORO, N.J., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
(NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of gene-based medical testing,
information and services, announced it has introduced HCV DupliType(TM)
testing to provide subtyping for a broader range of hepatitis C viral isolates
than was previously available using other technologies.
The HCV DupliType test provides subtyping for two distinct genomic regions
of the hepatitis C virus. The new test was developed by Quest Diagnostics'
center for research and development and esoteric testing laboratory, Nichols
Institute. HCV DupliType testing is exclusively offered through Quest
Diagnostics' national laboratory network.
The HCV DupliType test uses DNA sequencing technology to subtype two
regions of the hepatitis C viral genome: the CORE gene and the region known as
NS5B. Previously, only a single region was typed. This innovation allows for
the detection of a broader spectrum of subtypes and the rapid and reliable
typing of patient samples with an added degree of confidence. HCV genotyping
by subtype determination is clinically relevant in guiding a physician's
choice of the appropriate antiviral treatment regimen, including treatment
duration.
This genotyping innovation was introduced at the Association for Molecular
Pathology 6th Annual Meeting in Denver. Ron M. Kagan PhD, Associate Scientific
Director for Molecular Genetics at Quest Diagnostics' Nichols Institute,
presented an abstracted paper on duplex subtyping of hepatitis C virus.
Quest Diagnostics' gene-based testing focuses on infectious disease,
oncology and hereditary conditions, and helps physicians target individual
treatment regimes, monitor resistance to therapies and predict predisposition
to various genetic conditions. Quest Diagnostics is a leading innovator in
genomics testing, both through its research and development center and
esoteric testing laboratory, the world-renowned Nichols Institute, as well as
through alliances with leading academic and commercial technology developers.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services with annualized revenues of more than $3 billion. The
testing performed on human specimens helps doctors diagnose, treat and monitor
disease; enables employers to detect workplace drug abuse; and supports
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in clinical trials of new
therapeutics worldwide. Quest Informatics analyzes laboratory and other
medical data to help health care providers improve the care of patients.
Additional company information can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com.
HCV DupliType is a trademark of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT: Investors - Cathy Doherty, 201-393-5030, or Media - Gary
Samuels, 201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated/