BALTIMORE, Oct 16, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, today introduced its new CF Complete(TM) test at the
52nd Annual Meeting of The American Society of Human Genetics. The CF Complete
test enables physicians to identify rare mutations that cause cystic fibrosis
(CF) by sequencing the complete coding sequence of the cystic fibrosis gene.
Developed at Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute esoteric testing laboratory in
San Juan Capistrano, California, the CF Complete test broadens Quest
Diagnostics' leading position in prenatal genetics testing.
The CF Complete test identifies more than 1,000 distinct mutations and provides
more information than traditional CF screening tests to assist physicians in
diagnosing, counseling or treating individuals with family history or clinical
symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The new test is of particular value for use by
gynecologists and geneticists who treat high-risk patients, and provides genetic
counselors enhanced information for use in counseling patients. Ordering
physicians have access to consultation by Quest Diagnostics' genetic counselors,
and medical staff certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Quest
Diagnostics Nichols Institute will perform the testing.
"The CF Complete test will help experts address difficult clinical cases and
provide carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis for CF families with previously
unidentified cystic fibrosis mutations," said Lucia L. Quinn, Senior Vice
President, Advanced Diagnostics. "This important new test extends our
comprehensive menu of CF testing and further broadens our leadership in prenatal
testing for inherited disease."
Quest Diagnostics also offers screening tests for cystic fibrosis, which analyze
patients' blood samples for all 25 mutations that are contained in a 2001
recommendation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
One in every 25 Caucasian people is estimated to be a carrier of cystic fibrosis
in the United States. Approximately 30,000 patients currently receive treatment.
Approximately 25% of cystic fibrosis patients have at least one mutation that
cannot be identified by either standard or "extended panel" screening. Therefore
carrier detection for other family members and prenatal diagnosis for subsequent
pregnancies is not possible for these families using previous cystic fibrosis
testing. The CF Complete test enables physicians to identify these rare
mutations and offer carrier detection and/or prenatal diagnosis for both the
nuclear and extended family members.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic
testing, information and services, providing insights that enable physicians,
hospitals, managed care organizations and other healthcare professionals to make
decisions to improve health. The company offers patients and physicians the
broadest access to diagnostic laboratory services through its national network
of laboratories and patient service centers. Quest Diagnostics is the leading
provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and empowers
healthcare organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity
solutions that improve practice management. Additional company information can
be found on the Internet at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com .
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be 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 described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2001 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT:
Gary Samuels, Media, +1-201-393-5700, or
Laure Park, Investors, +1-201-393-5030, both of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated
URL: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.