Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the leading U.S. provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced today that it has been awarded a new, five-year contract with the U.K.'s National Health Service West Middlesex University Hospital Trust and the Hounslow Primary Care Trust of London to provide end-to-end diagnostic testing and related support services for approximately 215,000 people. The contract was awarded after a nine-month evaluation of six independent and hospital-based U.K. laboratories. This agreement strengthens the company's presence in the U.K. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

West Middlesex University Hospital is a major acute care National Health Service hospital in Isleworth, London with 362 beds. It provides a full range of services to residents of the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond and Twickenham. The Hounslow Primary Care Trust is a primary care group consisting of 700 staff and 80 sites serving West London.

"Quest Diagnostics was selected for their high quality service, the logistics and technological systems they have in place and their proximity to the hospital," said Dr. Stella Barnass, Consultant Microbiologist and Lead Clinician for Pathology, West Middlesex University Hospital.

Quest Diagnostics will provide comprehensive laboratory services 24 hours a day, 365 days per year through a combination of the hospital's on-site laboratory and the company's own laboratory in nearby Heston. The pathology service will continue to be led by the West Middlesex University Hospital consultant pathologists, who will also have the ability to consult with Quest Diagnostics more than 500 M.D.s and Ph.D.s in the U.S. The agreement covers clinical and anatomic pathology, including biochemistry, hematology, microbiology and immunology services as well as staffing and operation of the hospital's on-site laboratory, and the maintenance and calibration of all laboratory equipment, systems and point of care technology devices.

"We are very pleased to use our capabilities to improve patient care in the London metropolitan area," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Quest Diagnostics. "We have earned the confidence of doctors and patients in the U.S. through our commitment to service, quality, convenience and innovation. We are expanding our efforts to bring these same capabilities to physicians and patients in the U.K."

About the National Health Service

The National Health Service or NHS as it is more commonly known, was set up on the 5th July 1948 to provide healthcare for all citizens based on need, not the ability to pay. The NHS is funded by the taxpayer and overseen by the Department of Health, which sets overall policy on health issues. It is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Health to ensure the provision of health services free at the point of delivery to the general public through NHS organizations. NHS Trusts fall broadly into three categories: Acute (Hospital) Trusts, Primary Care Trusts (responsible for ensuring provision of primary care/general practitioner services) and Mental Health Trusts.

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 interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/

The statements in this press release that 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, competitive environment, changes in government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers, suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2006 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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

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