Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced today that Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, completing the CEO succession plan announced in November, 2003. Dr. Mohapatra succeeds Kenneth W. Freeman, who will continue as Chairman of the Board through December 14, 2004.

In addition, John C. Baldwin, M.D., was elected to the Board of Directors by stockholders at the company's 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Separately, as previously announced, two Directors whose terms expired at the 2004 annual meeting, Kenneth D. Brody and Mary A. Cirillo, retired from the Board of Directors. Together, this reduces the number of directors from 11 to 10.

Dr. Baldwin is Associate Provost for Health Affairs at Dartmouth College and Professor of Surgery at Dartmouth Medical School. From 1994 to 1998, Dr. Baldwin was the head of the surgical programs at Baylor College of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals. Dr. Baldwin was also the Governor of the American College of Surgeons from 1991 through 1997 and the President of the International Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in 1999. Dr. Baldwin served on the Board of Overseers of Harvard University from 1995 to 2001 and was elected Vice-Chair during the last year of his term.

"Dr. Baldwin's many accomplishments and insights in the world of medicine and science will prove invaluable as Quest Diagnostics evolves in the future," said Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman of the Board. "We are pleased to welcome him 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: 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, or Media, Gary Samuels,
+1-201-393-5700, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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