Quest Diagnostics to Acquire Assets from University Hospital’s Outreach Laboratory Services

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Quest Diagnostics agreed to acquire select assets of University Hospital’s outreach laboratory services business.¹ This will increase Quest’s presence in Ohio and allow it to provide its services to a broader network within the state.

In a press release, University Hospitals CEO Cliff A. Megerian said, “Laboratory testing is a critical and increasingly complex area of healthcare and Quest is a trusted name in laboratory services known for high quality and innovation. We look forward to a collaboration with Quest that will maintain streamlined and efficient operations, quality and breadth of menu while enhancing access for our patients."

Mergian is also CEO and a distinguished chair at Jane and Henry Meyer.

In the same press release, Quest Diagnositcs chairman, CEO, and president Jim Davis said, “Top health systems like University Hospitals are transitioning their laboratory services to Quest in order to improve operating efficiency and ensure continued access to affordable care. Our specialization and scale empower us to optimize lab services for quality, innovation and affordability, enabling health systems to dedicate more resources to clinical patient care. We look forward to extending our presence in the many communities in Ohio that can benefit from our expertise."

This is the latest move by Quest Diagnositcs to expand its business. Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of 13 new blood tests designed to identify micronutrient deficiencies.² The tests are consumer-initiated blood-draw tests and are available at questhealth.com.

In a press release, medical science liaison of consumer-initiated testing for questhealth.com Dr. Katrina Sutto, PharmD, said, “Studies have shown that key vitamins and nutrients such as iron, calcium, and magnesium are under-consumed or may be poorly absorbed in the body, which may have an adverse effect on people's health. What people may not realize is that their medications, allergies, chronic conditions and diets can affect how well their bodies can absorb these essential nutrients. In providing medically-informed testing solutions and detailed results through our various nutrient panels, we hope to empower people to seek the best pathway to help their overall wellbeing."

In the same press release, senior vice president and general manager of Quest Consumer Richard Adams said, “This expansion underscores our commitment to offering accessible, personalized, and consumer-driven health insights that can make a meaningful difference in our daily lives. Whether micronutrient deficiencies stem from dietary restrictions, medications, or chronic conditions, our tests provide consumers with valuable tools to take better control over their health."

Also in August, Quest released the results of a study in conducted that suggests that pregnant women in the United States are generally under-tested for sexually transmitted infections.³

In a press release, co-author of the study and medical director of women’s health at Quest Diagnostics Damian P. Alagia, MD, said, “Our study adds to a troubling body of evidence highlighting inconsistent quality in maternal and child healthcare in the U.S. Our analysis shows that improved adherence to existing recommendations, harmonization of guidelines across agencies, and even updated recommendations for STI testing will be critical to ensuring the mothers and babies in the United States receive medically appropriate testing and treatment."

Sources

1. Quest Diagnostics to Acquire University Hospitals' Outreach Laboratory Services Business. Quest Diagnostics. August 21, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quest-diagnostics-to-acquire-university-hospitals-outreach-laboratory-services-business-302227468.html
2. questhealth.com Introduces 13 New Blood Tests to Identify Micronutrient Deficiencies. Quest Diagnostics. August 15, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/questhealthcom-introduces-13-new-blood-tests-to-identify-micronutrient-deficiencies-302223361.html
3. Pregnant Women Undertested for STIs, Finds Quest Diagnostics Health Trends® Study of Over 4 Million Pregnancies. Quest Diagnostics. August 12, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pregnant-women-undertested-for-stis-finds-quest-diagnostics-health-trends-study-of-over-4-million-pregnancies-302219894.html