TETERBORO, N.J., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced today that it is the first commercial
reference laboratory to offer the new FDA-cleared ELECSYS(R) proBNP assay to
aid in the diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure.(1) The assay is available
to physicians nationwide through the Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
esoteric testing laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California.
The automated Elecsys proBNP assay enables Quest Diagnostics to provide
the physician with a fast and accurate measurement of NT-proBNP, a metabolite
that rises with the onset of heart failure. NT-proBNP as well as the
physiologically active BNP are part of a family of hormones that function to
regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance and fluid volume.
NT-proBNP levels have been demonstrated to be a diagnostic aid in
identifying left ventricular dysfunction, allowing cardiologists, internists,
and general practitioners to differentiate between heart failure and lung
disorders with similar symptoms. Elevated plasma NT-proBNP levels are directly
related to the severity of Congestive Heart Failure: The higher the level of
NT-proBNP in the blood, the more serious the condition.
In addition to providing a quick turnaround time on test results, the
Elecsys proBNP assay is the only test that gives the physician an accurate
reading of NT-proBNP due to Congestive Heart Failure without interference from
Natrecor(R) (nesiritide), the recombinant BNP therapeutic that may be
prescribed for Congestive Heart Failure.
Physicians assessing patients with clinical symptoms of Congestive Heart
Failure, which may include shortness of breath, fluid accumulation and
fatigue, will gain diagnostic insight into the status of their patients' heart
health by measuring NT-proBNP levels.
According to the American Heart Association, 4.8 million Americans are
afflicted with Congestive Heart Failure, with 550,000 cases diagnosed each
year. The prevalence of heart failure is expected to continue to rise, due to
the aging population and increase in acute coronary syndrome survival. Heart
failure is the leading cause of Medicare hospitalization in the United States,
accounting for $18 billion per year in direct costs.
For more information about NT-proBNP testing, physicians can call Quest
Diagnostics Nichols Institute toll-free at 800-642-4657.
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:
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 actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing
relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, conditions of
the economy and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostic Incorporated
2001 Form 10-K and subsequent fillings.
Elecsys is a trademark of a member of the Roche Group. All other
trademarks are property of their respective owners.
(1) Hunt PJ, Richards AM, Nicholls MG, Yandle TG, Doughty RN; Espiner EA.
Immunoreactive aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide
(NT-PROBNP): a new marker for cardiac impairment. Clin Endocrin
1997;47:287-296.
Contacts:
Jennifer Somers (Media): 201-393-5700
Laure Park (Investors): 201-393-5030
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
/CONTACT: Jennifer Somers, Media, +1-201-393-5700, or Laure Park,
Investors, +1-201-393-5030, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated/