MADISON, N.J., March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced today that it has been included on FORTUNE magazine's 2010 "World's Most Admired Companies" list. Quest Diagnostics ranked third in the "Health Care" industry category of "Pharmacy and Other Services." The 2010 ranking is the third consecutive year that the company has been included on FORTUNE magazine's well-regarded reputation ranking of the world's corporations.

"Earning our place among the most admired companies for the third consecutive year underscores the commitment of our 43,000 employees to putting our patients first by providing the highest quality service and diagnostics innovation," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Quest Diagnostics.  "We are particularly gratified to be the only diagnostic testing company to achieve the important distinction of being ranked among the world's most reputable corporations."

FORTUNE's list of Global 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. The 2010 list ranks 346 companies.  

The  full list and related stories will appear in the March 22nd issue of FORTUNE, available on news stands on Monday, March 8th. The ranking for Quest  Diagnostics may be found online at: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2010/industries/25.html

In addition, Corporate Responsibility Magazine (formerly CRO Magazine)  announced earlier this week that Quest Diagnostics had ranked number 79 on the magazine's 11th annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. According to the magazine, the ranking is  based on publicly-available information and recognized by PR Week as one of  America's top three business rankings. The list can be found at www.thecro.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 diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated