Quest Diagnostics Reports Strong Revenue and Earnings Growth in First Qu...(to meet our growthcommitments for 2008. ...),Health

Bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues was 4.8%, compared to 4.4% at the end of the first quarter of 2007. Days sales outstanding were 48 days, unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2007. Cash flow from operations was $158 million, compared to $152 million in the first quarter of 2007. During the quarter, the company reduced debt by $113 million, and made capital expenditures of $47 million.

Outlook for 2008 Reaffirmed

For the full year 2008, the company continues to expect results from continuing operations as follows: earnings per diluted share of between $3.00 and $3.20, revenue growth of approximately 9%, and operating income to approach 17% of revenues. Over the same period, the company expects cash from operations to approximate $900 million and capital expenditures of between $280 million and $300 million. These estimates exclude potential special charges.

Quest Diagnostics will hold its first quarter conference call on April 21, 2008 at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time. A simulcast of the call is available by dialing 210-839-8500, passcode 3214469 and via the Internet at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com. Registered analysts may access the call at: http://www.streetevents.com. In addition, a replay of the call will be available from 10:30 A.M. on April 21 through 11 P.M. on May 19, 2008 to investors in the U.S. by dialing 866-431-7950. Investors outside the U.S. may dial 203-369-0981. No password is required for either number.

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 interpr
'/>"/>