Our Company

Worldwide, Quest Diagnostics is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, touching patients’ lives approximately 150 million times each year. We are the only diagnostic testing company to make FORTUNE Magazine's list of “America's Most Admired Companies” (2008, 2009 and 2010). Our laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), which operates accreditation programs in line with international standards. In 2001, our company introduced the principles of Six Sigma quality to the healthcare industry. Our medical and scientific staff has pioneered the development of innovative new diagnostic tests and is the largest in the diagnostic testing industry, with approximately 900 individuals holding medical degrees or Ph.D.s.

Of the more than 3000 diagnostic tests on our test menu, of critical importance to women’s health is the Pap (or cervical) smear test, for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. We perform approximately 12 million cervical smear tests each year.

Sometimes cases are difficult because they’re rare, meaning a pathologist, throughout his or her entire career, may have seen a particular tumor type only a handful of times—or never. To advance the knowledge of our cytology team, we conduct daily conferences using multi-view microscopes, and our volume and depth of experience make it likely that one or more of our pathologists has had experience with the rare tumor under discussion. For the patient and for their doctor, this experience can make an all important difference.

We have rigorous standards and training programs for our cytotechnologists and pathologists who screen and review these samples. Prior to consideration for employment, cytologists must hold certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and successfully perform a cervical smear screening test. Once employed, cytologists are required to participate in accredited
continuing education.