MADISON, N.J., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that the Simplexa™ molecular test on the 3M™ Integrated Cycler was honored with a bronze award for best new science and medical diagnostic product during the 2011 Edison Awards gala ceremony last night in New York City. Focus Diagnostics, the infectious disease diagnostics business of Quest Diagnostics, developed and provides the Simplexa line of molecular test products to laboratories internationally in collaboration with 3M.  

"Passion for developing diagnostic innovations that will improve patient care is central to our culture and mission," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer, Quest Diagnostics. "Winning the prestigious Edison award underscores the strength of our commitment to innovation and our patients while also marking the success of our close collaboration with 3M."

The Edison awards, named after the prolific inventor Thomas Alva Edison, are granted under the aegis of the Thomas A. Edison Papers at Rutgers University and sponsored by The Nielsen Company and Discovery Channel, among other companies.  More than 2,000 marketing professionals and academics with the Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG) select the best products based on criteria that include technological innovation, and market and social impact, and marketplace success. Last night's winners include the Apple iPad, the GE energy smart LED A19 Bulb, and Coca-Cola Freestyle®. For a complete list of winners, refer to: http://www.edisonawards.com/MediaRoom.php  

"Fast, quality test reporting is vital to patient care. The Edison award underscores the significance of the Simplexa and 3M technologies in bringing high-end molecular testing a step closer to the patient, for faster reporting of reliable results." said John G. Hurrell, Ph.D., vice president and general manager, Focus Diagnostics, who accepted the award last night on behalf of the company.

Focus Diagnostics launched the Simplexa line in 2009 as a test option that combines near-patient testing capabilities many hospital and other health labs can perform with advanced real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic technologies typically reserved for reference laboratories. The first Simplexa product, the Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test on the 3M Integrated Cycler, was the first commercial RT-PCR test to receive FDA clearance for the detection and differentiation of the 2009 H1N1 influenza and other influenza A viruses, in May 2010. Focus Diagnostics and 3M developed the product as an alternative to rapid, but at times unreliable point-of-care flu tests and high-end reference testing services requiring several hours or days to report results after receipt of a specimen.

Simplexa test kits run on the 3M Integrated Cycler, a compact, portable testing platform that can provide results in as few as 60 minutes following sample extraction, as part of an exclusive worldwide agreement with 3M.  Other Simplexa tests running on the 3M Integrated Cycler cleared in the U.S. by the FDA or CE marked for distribution in Europe detect influenza A and B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, BK, Bordetella pertussis and other infectious disease viruses, bacteria and agents.

About Focus Diagnostics

Focus Diagnostics, Inc. is an infectious disease diagnostics company, providing infectious disease reference laboratory services to hospitals and laboratories nationwide, and manufacturing and distributing diagnostic products worldwide. Focus Diagnostics develops innovative tests and products to assist physicians in diagnosing infectious diseases, and often provides the first diagnostic tests in the U.S. for emerging diseases, such as West Nile virus and SARS. HerpeSelect®  type-specific HSV serology and West Nile Virus DxSelect™  are top-selling Focus Diagnostics products used in laboratories worldwide. Focus Diagnostics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics. Visit www.FocusDx.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.  For more information, refer to www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

Quest, Quest Diagnostics, the associated logo, Nichols Institute and all associated Quest Diagnostics marks are the registered trademarks of Quest Diagnostics. All third party marks - (r)' and (tm)' - are the property of their respective owners. (c) 2000-2011 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated