Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced today that its Board of Directors has begun implementing an orderly succession plan in which Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., will succeed Kenneth W. Freeman as Chief Executive Officer by the date of the next annual meeting of shareholders in May, 2004. At that time, Mr. Freeman will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Currently, Dr. Mohapatra is President and Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Freeman is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Over the past five years, Surya Mohapatra has been my closest partner in developing and executing our business strategy, from driving Six Sigma quality to raising our commitment to pricing discipline and introducing new tests and technologies," said Mr. Freeman. "His strong track record, broad healthcare background and extensive knowledge of medical science and technology uniquely qualify him to be the next CEO of Quest Diagnostics."

Dr. Mohapatra joined the company in February, 1999, as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed President in June, 1999. He was elected to the Board of Directors in October, 2002. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of Quest Diagnostics and has played an important role in the growth and strategic direction of the company.

Prior to joining Quest Diagnostics, Dr. Mohapatra served as senior vice president and a member of the executive committee of Picker International, a manufacturer of advanced medical imaging technologies, now part of Philips Medical Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Sambalpur University in India; a Master of Science degree in Medical Electronics from the University of Salford in England; and a Doctorate in Medical Physics from the University of London in England. He is the author of several publications and patents with a particular focus on the human cardiovascular system and magnetic resonance imaging.

"Surya Mohapatra has clearly demonstrated his leadership capabilities and the Board is highly confident that he will be a very successful CEO," said Dan C. Stanzione, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board's Governance Committee and Lead Independent Director. "Ken and Surya have worked closely together for many years. The deliberate way in which Ken initiated this orderly transition plan to identify and prepare his successor and then worked with the Board to implement it is illustrative of the superb leadership Ken has provided to the company."

"Ken Freeman is an outstanding CEO," Dr. Stanzione continued. "Ken has firmly established Quest Diagnostics as the diagnostic testing industry leader and achieved exceptional financial performance by focusing on integrity, quality, the importance of values, and effective execution. In addition, he is a forceful and articulate advocate for the industry. We look forward to a smooth transition to Surya's leadership as CEO and Ken's ongoing contributions as Chairman."

Mr. Freeman joined Corning Clinical Laboratories, the predecessor company to Quest Diagnostics, in May, 1995, after holding financial and general management positions at Corning Incorporated from 1972. He became Chairman and CEO of Quest Diagnostics at the end of 1996, when the company was spun off to Corning's shareholders. He is Chairman of the American Clinical Laboratory Association, and a Trustee of the Healthcare Leadership Council and Bucknell University.

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services in the United States through its national network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and also empowers healthcare organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: www.questdiagnostics.com.

The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing relationships with customers, payers, suppliers and strategic partners, competitive environment, changes in government regulations, conditions of the economy and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2002 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

CONTACT: Investors, Laure Park, +1-201-393-5030, or Media, Gary Samuels,
+1-201-393-5700, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/