Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced that it completed its previously-announced leadership succession process, with Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., assuming the role of Chairman of the Board in addition to serving as President and Chief Executive Officer. The change became effective after Kenneth W. Freeman stepped down as Chairman of the Board yesterday.

The Board also elected Gary M. Pfeiffer to serve as a Director, maintaining the Board at 10 members. Mr. Pfeiffer is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont). Mr. Pfeiffer joined DuPont in 1974, where he has held positions of increasing responsibility in finance and international operations, as well as in various DuPont divisions. Mr. Pfeiffer also serves as a Director of Talbots Inc.

"We are excited to welcome Gary Pfeiffer to our Board as a new Director," said Dr. Mohapatra, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Diagnostics. "Gary's deep financial expertise combined with his global experience and proven leadership in supporting innovation will make him a valued addition to our Board."

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 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 provides advanced information technology solutions to 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 2003 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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

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