Quest Diagnostics Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) has launched the Tackle Your Testing program to combat health disparities worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to provide no-cost diagnostic testing services at events starting from July 17-18 in Tampa, Florida, in collaboration with local health centers and charities. This program addresses the decline in routine diagnoses of chronic illnesses during the pandemic, offering consultations, educational resources, and healthy meals. Former NFL player Warrick Dunn will also participate in promoting this health initiative.

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has announced it will release its second quarter 2021 financial results on July 22, 2021, before market opening. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. Interested participants can access the call through various numbers provided for U.S., Canada, and international callers. A replay will be available shortly after the call. Quest Diagnostics continues to provide diagnostic insights, serving a substantial portion of American adults and healthcare providers.

Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOC) announced a collaboration with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) to provide its Target Selector NGS-based liquid biopsy assay for lung cancer testing. This assay, designed for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, enables less invasive genomic profiling and monitoring of treatment effectiveness. Expected to launch in Q4 2021, the service will be accessible through Quest's extensive patient service centers across the U.S. This partnership aims to enhance patient care and expand Biocept’s market reach in oncology diagnostics.

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) released its 2020 Annual Corporate Responsibility Report, titled "A Year of Challenge and Change." The report highlights the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including performing 30 million tests and launching the Quest for Health Equity initiative, aimed at reducing health disparities in underserved communities with over $100 million allocated for this purpose. Additionally, Quest made strides in operational sustainability and increased its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Quest Diagnostics has successfully acquired Mercy's outreach laboratory services business in an all-cash asset transaction, though financial terms were not disclosed. This acquisition allows Quest to enhance patient care by broadening access to its comprehensive lab services across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy will retain ownership of its hospital labs, ensuring continued service for inpatient care. By leveraging Quest's advanced test menu and extensive patient-access network, this deal aims to deliver innovative and cost-effective laboratory solutions to healthcare providers and patients in the Midwest.

The Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ reveals that marijuana positivity rates in the general U.S. workforce rose to 5.5% in 2020, a 3.8% increase from 2019. This marks a significant trend amid the COVID-19 pandemic, where overall positivity slightly declined from 4.5% in 2019 to 4.4% in 2020. In federally mandated sectors, positivity decreased by 8.3%. Notably, positivity for cocaine hit the lowest level since 2012. The findings highlight the importance of workplace drug testing as hiring increases.

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX) and Paige have announced a collaboration aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance cancer diagnosis. This partnership will utilize Paige's machine learning technology to analyze pathology data and create new software products for healthcare providers. The focus is on solid tumors like prostate and breast cancer, with intentions to develop software for biopharmaceutical applications as well. The collaboration incorporates shared revenue models and aims to expand Quest's digital pathology capabilities across the U.S.

Quest Diagnostics and the Social and Health Research Center (SAHRC) have partnered to launch the Bienestar/Neema Coordinated School Health Program to combat childhood obesity in underserved communities, particularly among Hispanic and Black populations. This initiative, recognized by the CDC and NIH, features a digitized curriculum that engages children through interactive animations. The cost of the curriculum has decreased significantly from $18,000 to under $1,000, enhancing accessibility. The program aims to initially reach over 180,000 children and their families in Texas and New Jersey, with plans to expand across the U.S.

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share, set to be paid on July 21, 2021. This dividend will be distributed to shareholders of record as of July 7, 2021. As a leading diagnostic information service provider, Quest's insights significantly impact health outcomes, serving one in three adult Americans. The company emphasizes the importance of its diagnostic services in improving healthcare management and patient outcomes.