Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced that Delbert A. Fisher, M.D., Vice President of Science and Innovation, was honored by The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) for his outstanding scientific contributions to the creation of a screening test for congenital hypothyroidism in newborns.

Dr. Fisher was one of 15 scientists chosen by the NICHD for its Hall of Honor, which recognizes scientists supported by the Institute for their exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge and improving maternal and child health. The scientists were honored on September 22, at a ceremony held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland as part of the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the NICHD.

Dr. Fisher was recognized for his contribution to the development of a simple, highly effective newborn screening test for congenital hypothyroidism, which, if treated within the first month of life, completely prevents mental retardation from this disorder. Today, every state in the United States tests newborns for congenital hypothyroidism. Dr. Fisher conceptualized the possibility of this screening test, developed the microassay methods that made this screening feasible, and fostered its implementation on a national scale, resulting in the elimination of mental retardation due to this disorder.

In his current position, Dr. Fisher is responsible for new test development, clinical correlations, and subspecialty consultations to Quest Diagnostics' physician customers. During his 48-year career as a pediatrician and endocrinologist, Dr. Fisher has held esteemed appointments with leading academic and medical institutions, including his current appointment as visiting senior scientist at the Walter P. Martin Research Center at Harbor-UCLA, in Torrance, California. Dr. Fisher's many honors include the Nutrition Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Robert H. Williams Award from the Endocrine Society, the Howland Award from the American Pediatric Society, and election to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.

In addition, the NICHD also honored Maria I. New, M.D., a Quest Diagnostics Academic Associate. Dr. New, a professor of pediatric endocrinology and metabolism at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Campus, was recognized for identifying the broad spectrum of disorders caused by variants of the gene for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and for developing effective treatments for its various forms. Quest Diagnostics collaborates with Academic Associates, who are thought leaders from leading academic institutions, to develop new tests and provide specialized consultation.

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.

   Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
   Jennifer Somers (Media):  201-393-5700
   Laure Park (Investors):   201-393-5030

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

CONTACT: Jennifer Somers (Media) - +1-201-393-5700, or Laure Park
(Investors) - +1-201-393-5030, both of Quest Diagnostics

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