LYNDHURST, N.J., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, today announced a new, proprietary diagnostic
testing technique to help physicians diagnose genetic metabolic disorders,
such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and homocystinuria. Genetic metabolic disorders
can impair a child's mental and physical development. The new technique
measures amino acids in blood plasma, urine or cerebral spinal fluid by
employing a combination of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Physicians may also use amino acid quantitation tests on individuals whose
ability to process nutrients may be impaired, such as those undergoing
chemotherapy treatments for cancer, the elderly, and individuals with
gastrointestinal illnesses.
The new technique is an advance over conventional test methods, providing
greater diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for detecting a range of
metabolic and nutritional disorders. The technique can be used to measure and
report up to 47 individual amino acids, depending on the condition to be
tested and type of specimen. The new testing method also overcomes the problem
of interference from medications and diet, which, when using conventional
testing methods, often hinders accurate analysis. In addition, the new
methodology can detect amino acid levels as low as one micromole per liter,
which enhances its usefulness for detecting nutritional deficiencies compared
to conventional methods.
"We believe this new testing technique will improve nutritional monitoring
and enhance the detection of several inherited metabolic disorders that can
impair a child's mental and physical development," said Joyce Schwartz, M.D.,
vice president and chief laboratory officer. "We also expect improved
turnaround times to enhance diagnosis and treatment."
Researchers at Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, the company's esoteric
diagnostic testing, research and development center, developed the new
methodology. The company recently began to market the technique to hospital
physicians with an emphasis on pediatric, neonatology, genetic, oncology and
gastroenterology practices.
Quest Diagnostics has established normal ranges by age and sample type,
enabling clinicians to evaluate individuals at all ages for a range of
nutritional deficiencies and for a number of inborn errors of metabolism.
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 healthcare information technology
solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is
available at www.questdiagnostics.com.
This communication contains certain forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements, which may include, but are not limited to,
statements concerning the proposed acquisition, are based on management's
current expectations and estimates and involve risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those
contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and
uncertainties may include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties
described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2006 Form 10-K and subsequent
filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT: Investors, Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030; or Media, Wendy H.
Bost, +1-201-393-5700, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com