Quest Diagnostics 1999 Annual Report Download - page 8

ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY
Testing in the field of anatomic pathology enables physicians to diagnose cancer and other diseases.
Skilled physicians and technologists perform microscopic examinations of tissue and cells, such as
biopsies and Pap tests. We are the nation’s largest provider of anatomic pathology services, offering
a full range of testing capabilities. In cervical cancer screening, we are particularly proud of our role in
bringing an important technology advancement — the ThinPrep® Pap Test™— to one million women and
their doctors last year. The ThinPrep method was found to more than double the detection of high-grade
precursors to cervical cancer, compared to the conventional Pap smear. Increasingly, women are
demanding ThinPrep from their physicians, while payers are expanding coverage for the new test. At
the same time, we have helped to persuade payers, including the federal government, to recognize the
tremendous value of cervical cancer screening, and reimbursement rates have been raised from historically
low levels. New technology holds the promise of transforming the anatomic pathology laboratory and
making advances in the quality of patient care. We are committed to lead our industry in developing and
evaluating innovations and bringing them to the marketplace.
TESTING FOR DRUGS OF ABUSE
Is workplace drug testing effective? Just ask our clients, who include many of the country’s leading
airlines, financial services companies, and media, as well as professional sports leagues. Perhaps the
strongest endorsement of workplace drug testing comes from our own widely quoted Drug Testing Index.
Since it was established in 1987, the Index, which tracks the rate of samples testing positive for drugs, has
declined precipitously (by 65%). But that does not mean we have finished our job. Cheating on drug tests
has become widespread with innovative new ways to alter samples arising regularly. We were the first
laboratory to routinely screen specimens specifically for evidence of tampering.
CLINICAL TRIALS TESTING
We are one of the leading providers of testing to support clinical trials of new pharmaceutical and
biotechnology therapeutics worldwide, with major facilities in Southern California, London and Brussels.
In 1999, our clinical trials business expanded, providing laboratory services to support 19 of the 20
leading pharmaceutical companies, ranked by research and development spending. The laboratory data
we collected from more than 8,000 clinical trial sites around the globe provides pharmaceutical companies
with crucial evidence needed for the new-drug regulatory approval process. Supporting clinical trials is one
more example of how we positively impact patient care.
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“New technology will
result in dramatic change
over the coming decade.
As the leader, we are
leveraging our relationships
with strategic suppliers to
develop new products and
services and bring them to
market faster.
1,200,000
new cancer cases diagnosed in the
U.S. in ’99
1,300,000
biopsies analyzed by
Quest Diagnostics in ’99
12,800
new cervical cancer cases
in the U.S. in ’00 (estimate)
80
percent of women who die from cervical
cancer had no Pap smear in five years
60,000,000
Pap tests performed in the
U.S in ’99
”
The ThinPrep Pap Test has
been found to more than
double the detection of
high-grade precursors to
cervical cancer, compared to
the conventional Pap smear.
Jim Chambers on strategic partnerships