Quest Diagnostics 2013 Annual Report Download - page 13

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9
expression profile relative to a particular disease and its potential therapies, because these tests can help physicians to
determine a patient's susceptibility to disease or to tailor medical care to an individual's needs - such as determining if a
medication might be an optimum choice for a particular person, or tailoring the right dosage once the proper medicine is
prescribed. In addition, we aim to develop holistic solutions responsive to challenges that physicians face, by developing
solutions of multiple tests, information and services focused on specific clinical challenges. We also look for tests that are less
invasive than currently available options, to increase the choices that physicians and patients have for the collection of
diagnostic samples. With these priorities in mind, during 2013 we introduced over 75 new or enhanced tests and disease area
solutions, including those discussed below.
• Cancer.
- We introduced innovative next generation sequencing testing to aid in the diagnosis of leukemia.
- We introduced tissue-based microarray testing for solid tumors and a specific application for melanoma.
- We introduced our BRCAvantageTM solution for genetic mutations in BRCA1 and 2 genes to identify women
at high risk of breast cancer.
• Infectious Disease and Immunology.
- We launched an HIV 4th generation test that follows the new proposed CDC HIV testing algorithm.
- We introduced Hepatitis C Antibody w/Reflex to Quant which offers healthcare providers a convenient test
for HCV screening and confirmation of infection.
- We developed and introduced AccuType® Ribivarin (ITPA) to assess risk for acquiring ribivarin-induced
anemia in patients being treated for HCV infection. This assay helps establish frequency of monitoring in
ribivarin-treated patients.
- We developed and introduced Hepatitis C Viral RNA NS3 Genotype. This assay may be used to detect
boceprevir and telaprevir resistance-associated NS3 mutations in NS3 protease inhibitor treatment-
experienced patients.
- We licensed and introduced a novel proprietary biomarker for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis sold under
the trade name IdentaRA with 14-3-3?TM.
- We introduced the ImmunoCAP® Peanut Component Allergen test, which helps to assess a patient's level of
risk of a life-threatening reaction.
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease.
- We released CardioIQ®, an advanced cardiovascular risk assessment and enhanced interpretive report.
- We released the CardioIQ® Ion Mobility test, a proprietary approach to measure lipoprotein subfractions.
- We validated and released Presage® ST2, recently approved by the FDA to assess the prognosis of patients
associated with heart failure.
- We developed and released holistic diagnostics solutions for monitoring diabetes and managing renal disease
in diabetes.
- In addition, we advanced our program in diabetes testing by releasing insulin testing by mass spectrometry,
which helps address variability issues that previously have hindered the clinical use of testing for this analyte.
• Neurology.
- We launched a convenient blood test panel in accordance with professional clinical guidelines to identify
treatable causes of dementia and memory loss.
- We provided innovative solutions to diagnose hereditary peripheral neuropathies by offering a tiered testing
approach to test a large set of disease genes by next generation DNA sequencing. This offering is based upon
the American Academy of Neurology practice parameter for evaluating neuropathies.
- We launched new genetic tests for neuromuscular disorders, including several that provide alternatives to
invasive muscle and nerve biopsies.
- We developed tests for potentially treatable immune-mediated neurological disorders.
• Women's Health.
- We further enhanced our SureSwab® Vaginosis/Vaginitis Plus test by expanding the organisms and sample
types in the offering.
- We introduced access to a new non-invasive cell-free fetal DNA screening test developed by Natera, a
leading innovator in prenatal genetic testing.
- We released FSHD testing by DNA combing, the first commercial application of DNA combing technology
in the U.S.