Welcome to our dedicated page for Quest Diagnostics news (Ticker: DGX), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Quest Diagnostics stock.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated reports developments in diagnostic information services, laboratory testing and related healthcare data offerings. Company news commonly covers financial results, guidance, clinical testing activity, consumer access through questhealth.com and MyQuest, and advanced diagnostics such as Quest AD-Detect blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease and Haystack MRD ctDNA testing for oncology research.
Updates also include health system collaborations, Co-Lab Solutions activity, clinical trial and research partnerships, AI-enabled patient tools, board and executive appointments, dividends, share repurchases, debt financing and shareholder voting matters.
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.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) announced its upcoming participation at the Jefferies Virtual Healthcare Conference. CEO Steve Rusckowski will present on the company's vision and capital strategies on June 3, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. ET. The conference will be webcast live, and an archived version will be available on their investor relations page within 24 hours, accessible until July 3, 2021. Quest Diagnostics is a leader in diagnostic services, providing vital health insights and COVID-19 testing services nationwide.
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has announced enhancements to its COVID-19 testing services, making testing more accessible. Starting today, adults can request a $0 out-of-pocket COVID-19 test through QuestDirect™. This option is available regardless of symptoms or exposure, aligning with recent government guidelines. Quest is set to provide capacities of 300,000 tests daily, having conducted over 40 million tests since March 2020.
A Quest Diagnostics Health Trends® report indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment. The study, in collaboration with the CDC, revealed a 59% drop in HCV antibody testing in April 2020, with treatments falling by 43% in May 2020. Despite minor rebounds, HCV diagnoses and treatments remain 40% below pre-pandemic levels. The report emphasizes the urgent need for increased HCV testing to prevent advanced disease and transmission. An estimated 2.4 million adults in the U.S. are living with HCV, highlighting ongoing healthcare challenges.
Ginkgo Bioworks has partnered with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX) to offer COVID-19 testing services for K-12 schools across the U.S. This initiative aligns with the K-12 National Testing Action Program and leverages Quest's capacity to conduct up to 300,000 tests daily. Ginkgo’s Concentric platform will facilitate easy testing management, currently supporting around 1,000 schools. Both companies aim to enhance safety in classrooms by ensuring weekly testing for students and staff, with results typically available within a day.