Quest Diagnostics Introduces First Commercial Laboratory Test for Identifying the H1N1 Swine...( Real-time PCR test validated using cl...),Health

Real-time PCR test validated using clinical specimens confirmed

positive for Influenza A H1N1 Swine-origin flu virus

MADISON, N.J., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that its Focus Diagnostics infectious disease reference laboratory has introduced a laboratory-developed real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to aid in identifying Influenza A H1N1 Swine-origin (H1N1) flu virus ("S-OIV" or "novel H1N1"), also known as the Swine Flu. The Focus Diagnostics Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) RNA Real-Time RT-PCR Test is the first laboratory testing service to be introduced by a commercial laboratory to aid in the identification of patients infected with the novel H1N1 virus and differentiate patients infected with other seasonal Influenza A strains. Focus Diagnostics has a track record of being first to market with new laboratory testing services for emerging infectious diseases, such as West Nile Virus, SARS, and chikungunya virus.

"Our new laboratory test will be an important tool to help health care professionals and public health authorities identify infected patients more quickly, promoting earlier diagnosis and treatment," said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. "This capability could be particularly important if the novel H1N1 virus continues to spread in the U.S. or re-emerges this fall or winter. Public health officials in the U.S. have done an exceptional job of managing the current Influenza emergency, and we continue to work closely with them to assist their preparedness efforts."

Focus Diagnostics validated its new Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) RNA Real-Time RT-PCR Test using clinical specimens submitt
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