Complete CF Test

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Quest Diagnostics Introduces CF Complete Test To Provide

Sequencing of Complete Cystic Fibrosis Gene

DATELINE: BALTIMORE, Oct. 16

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's

leading provider of

diagnostic testing, information and services, today introduced its

new CF

Complete 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 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.

Becki

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