LYNDHURST, N.J., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced today that it has signed an agreement with
the State of California Department of Health Services to provide follow-up
laboratory testing under the recently expanded Newborn Screening Program of
the agency's Genetic Disease Branch.
As part of the state's expanded Newborn Screening Program, Quest
Diagnostics has begun providing confirmatory laboratory testing for newborns
with abnormal screening test results for more than 30 genetic disorders that
can be detected within days after the baby is born and before the newborn
becomes ill. These disorders are caused by absent, inactive or malfunctioning
enzymes and can lead to death and disability if treatment is not begun soon
after birth. For example, in a recessive genetic disease known as Maple Syrup
Urine Disease (MSUD), enzymes used to break down certain amino acids are
either absent or inactive. Unless diagnosed and treated promptly, MSUD can be
life-threatening.
In another inherited disorder, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency (MCAD), the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down fats into
energy, is missing or does not work correctly. MCAD deficiency may be the
cause of one out of 100 deaths thought to be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS); about one fifth of children with MCAD die with their first illness,
before anyone knows they have the MCAD deficiency.(1) With early detection
and appropriate treatment, often an infant's life is saved.
"We selected Quest Diagnostics because of their demonstrated strength as a
biochemical genetics laboratory," said George Cunningham, M.D., M.P.H., Chief,
Genetic Disease Branch, State of California Department of Health Services. "We
value the high caliber of Quest Diagnostics' skilled physicians and scientists
who provide outstanding interpretative consultation on test results that can
be difficult to interpret."
"Quest Diagnostics is honored to be the only laboratory in the State of
California to perform follow up testing for the State's recently expanded
Newborn Screening Program," said Joyce G. Schwartz, M.D., Vice President and
Chief Laboratory Officer of Quest Diagnostics. "It is an awesome
responsibility to be in charge of confirmatory testing for the approximately
600,000 newborns that are expected to be born in California this year. We know
that having a baby is an exciting and scary time for so many parents and we
are privileged to be in a position to give parents and physicians the
information they need within days after birth."
Newborn screening is an established preventive public health measure for
all infants throughout the nation.(2) Every state and U.S. territory
routinely screens newborns for certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and
functional disorders.(3) According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,
California Chapter, each newborn has a one-in-885 chance of having a positive
screening test and with expanded screening it is estimated that one out of
1,000 newborns will be diagnosed with a specific detectable disorder. While
most infants with initial abnormal screening test results go on to have normal
test results on follow up testing, newborn screening is vital for early
detection of many disorders that can lead to mental retardation, physical
disability and/or death in early childhood if left untreated.
Testing newborns for multiple disorders is a simple, quick and relatively
painless procedure for the baby. A small amount of blood is collected from the
heel of the newborn's foot and the specimen is initially sent to the
hospital's laboratory where it is screened for the presence and quantity of
certain analytes. If a particular analyte is found to exceed a pre-determined
cut-off value, and a specific condition is suspected, the specimen is sent for
follow up, or confirmatory testing to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
esoteric testing laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced information technology solutions
that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available
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, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2004 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
(1) Source: Charles R. Roe, M.D. "MCAD: Medium Chain acyl CoA
Dehydrogenase-Information for Families," FODSupport.org
http://www.fodsupport.org/mcad_fam.htm
(2) Source: California Department of Health Services, California Newborn
Screening Program
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/pcfh/gdb/html/NBS/ProgramOVforParents.htm
(3) Source: "Newborn Screening Tests," March of Dimes,
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1200.asp
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
CONTACT:
Laure Park, Investors, 201-393-5030
or Jennifer Somers, Media, 201-729-8386,
both of Quest Diagnostics