Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced it has reopened its laboratory in Metairie, Louisiana, after successfully completing reconstruction to the facility following substantial damage to the building and testing equipment caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Quest Diagnostics' Metairie laboratory performs rapid-response testing as well as anatomic pathology, microbiology and cytology testing. Additional testing is performed in the Houston laboratory, which began serving the Louisiana healthcare market following the hurricane and became home for many of the company's displaced New Orleans-area employees.

"I want to personally thank our employees in Louisiana and Houston who showed unwavering commitment to putting patients first," said Michael A. Peat, Ph.D., Managing Director of the Gulf Coast Business Unit, which serves Houston and New Orleans.

"As a local employer in New Orleans for more than thirty-five years, Quest Diagnostics is proud to be a part of a remarkable community that is stepping up to the task of rebuilding itself in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Sincere thanks to our valued customers in the healthcare community who stood by us while our employees implemented back-up plans to ensure that we could continue to provide needed health testing services."

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 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, competitive environment, changes in government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers, suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2005 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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

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