Agreement with Medical Automation Systems, Inc. Will Add RALS®-Plus Module to Company's Hemoglobin and Glucose Handheld Devices

MADISON, N.J., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- HemoCue Inc., the U.S. point-of-care testing distribution subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), today announced that it has signed an agreement with Medical Automation Systems, Inc. (MAS) for the development of a RALS®-Plus module for the HemoCue 201 DM analyzer whole blood systems for hemoglobin and glucose point-of-care measurement. The interface will enable users of the HemoCue 201 DM analyzers to automatically manage, report and electronically transfer patient hemoglobin and glucose data to the RALS-Plus database and a hospital's laboratory information system. The company expects to introduce the hospital connectivity feature in Fall 2009.

"Today's technologies bring laboratory-quality results closer to the patient, and point-of-care diagnostic insights allow healthcare providers to address a patient's immediate health concerns quickly and directly," according to Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "When these insights are automatically transmitted to the hospital's laboratory information system, their value extends far beyond a single episode of care and to the longer term care and well-being of the patient."

HemoCue products enable common blood and urine tests to be performed at the point-of-care without sacrificing the accuracy and precision offered by a central clinical lab. HemoCue is the leading global provider in point-of-care testing for hemoglobin, with a growing market share for glucose, urine-albumin and white blood cell testing. Measurement of hemoglobin is important for blood donors and patients under consideration for transfusion therapy, or currently receiving dialysis or chemotherapy treatment, where instant test results can lead to immediate treatment decisions. The HemoCue handheld systems are used in physician's offices, blood banks, hospitals, diabetes clinics and public health clinics. Approximately 50% of HemoCue products are sold outside the United States.

HemoCue 201 DM systems support physicians with faster data availability and enhanced quality control, including prompts for such information as operator identification and lot number. The system's tracking features add efficiencies to the billing process and support healthcare providers' efforts to meet quality compliance standards. The RALS-Plus enhancement will add the leading connectivity system for point-of-care testing to the HemoCue 201 DM system, one that is currently used by approximately half of U.S. hospitals. With the RALS-Plus for the HemoCue DM system, healthcare providers will be able to view at the click of an icon all downloaded results, display all flagged results, electronically manage system operators by device, and run and send weekly and monthly reports.

About HemoCue

The HemoCue family of companies, acquired by Quest Diagnostics in 2007, is a global leader in a field of diagnostics known as near patient, or point-of-care, testing. In 1982, HemoCue AB, based in Angelholm, Sweden, introduced the first system making accurate hemoglobin testing possible in near-patient settings. Since then, more than 250,000 HemoCue systems have been sold worldwide. The company also manufactures point-of-care tests for glucose, urine albumin, and total white blood cell count. HemoCue subsidiaries, affiliates, franchises, and third-party distributors generate revenue in more than 100 countries, including England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the U.S. HemoCue Inc. is the company's U.S. point-of-care testing distribution subsidiary. Additional information is available at www.hemocue.com.

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 new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

    Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
    Barb Short (Media):  973-520-2800
    Laure Park (Investors):  973-520-2900

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

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