Ranks second overall and first for long-term investment and social responsibility in industry category

MADISON, N.J., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated , the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, has again been named to FORTUNE magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Quest Diagnostics ranked second in the "Health Care" category of "Pharmacy and Other Services." The 2009 ranking is the second consecutive year that the company has been included on FORTUNE's Most Admired Companies list. The company advanced to second place from third in 2008. The new World's Most Admired Companies list is widely considered the definitive report card on corporate reputations.

"This prestigious recognition reflects the dedicated efforts of our 43,000 employees to put patients first and provide superior diagnostic services," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Quest Diagnostics. "We are particularly gratified to have ranked number one in our industry category for long-term investment, which demonstrates support for our strategy and vision."

FORTUNE's list of the World's Most Admired Companies is based on surveys of more than 4,000 executives, directors and securities analysts of companies they admire most in their industry based on nine criteria: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, quality of management; social responsibility; financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness. For 2009, FORTUNE published one list rather than separate World's Most Admired and America's Most Admired lists in order to better represent the competitive landscape faced by today's companies.

The full list and related stories appear in the March 16 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands on Monday, March 9th, and now at: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2009/index.html

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is the world's 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 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 diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at 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 2007 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

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