Quest Diagnostics Granted CDC Contract to Sequence COVID-19 Gene Variants to Aid Public Health Response to COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide genomic sequencing aimed at identifying mutations and transmission patterns of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This collaboration will utilize samples from Quest's labs nationwide to support a large-scale longitudinal genomic survey. The data will enhance the CDC's public health response to evolving virus variants. Financial terms of the agreement are undisclosed, but the collaboration reflects Quest's ongoing commitment to improve public health through extensive testing data.

Positive

• Collaboration with CDC enhances public health response to COVID-19.
• Use of advanced diagnostics laboratory in San Juan Capistrano improves operational efficiency.
• Historical partnerships with CDC bolster credibility and expertise in public health initiatives.

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• None.

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide genomic sequencing to identify new mutations in, and patterns of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

The goal of the collaboration is to aid the CDC in conducting a large-scale longitudinal genomic survey of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using a random set of samples collected from Quest's labs across the United States. The company will perform the sequencing from its advanced diagnostics laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Viruses can mutate over time. In recent weeks, highly transmissible variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus first discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa have been identified in the United States.  

Quest Diagnostics will sequence the viral genomes of random de-identified samples that test positive in the course of providing molecular diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 for providers and patients, and provide the CDC with completed whole viral sequences. These data will be combined with the results of other data provided to the CDC by national, state, academic, and commercial labs to help meet the CDC survey's aims.

"Public and private collaboration is essential to mobilizing an effective response to COVID-19," said Jay G. Wohlgemuth, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "Quest has the expertise in genomics and infectious diseases, as well as extensive COVID-19 testing data and access to patient samples.  Our program will complement and extend the efforts of the CDC to discover and track new virus mutations and thereby improve public health response to the pandemic."

The CDC's survey aims to provide important baseline information for national and state-level surveillance, help define changes in transmission, identify new variants of the virus, and improve the public health response to the virus.

Quest Diagnostics and the CDC have a long history of collaboration to improve public health initiatives. Most recently, Quest joined the CDC's seroprevalence survey, which analyzes results of de-identified COVID-19 antibody tests to identify rates of COVID-19 prevalence in the United States. In addition, Quest is a member of the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency Response, Epidemiology and Surveillance (SPHERES) consortium, which launched in May 2020. Quest and the CDC are also long-time collaborators to identify trends in screening, diagnosis and treatment in viral hepatitis, HIV and sexually transmitted infections in the United States, based on insights revealed by analysis of Quest's national testing database. 

About COVID-19 Testing at Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working to broaden access to laboratory insights to help us all lead healthier lives. We provide both molecular diagnostic and antibody serology tests to aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and immune response. Through our team of dedicated phlebotomists, air fleet team, couriers and laboratory professionals, Quest Diagnostics works hard every day to help patients and communities across the United States access quality COVID-19 testing. 

For more information about the latest developments with our COVID-19 testing, visit: newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/COVIDTestingUpdates

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our 47,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. Learn more about Quest Diagnostics at www.QuestDiagnostics.com or follow us on social media: Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

FAQ

What is the purpose of Quest Diagnostics' agreement with the CDC?

The collaboration aims to provide genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to aid the CDC in identifying mutations and transmission patterns of the virus.

When was the agreement between Quest Diagnostics and the CDC announced?

The agreement was announced on January 18, 2021.

How will Quest Diagnostics contribute to the CDC's COVID-19 response?

Quest Diagnostics will perform genomic sequencing from random de-identified samples collected in its labs and supply the completed viral sequences to the CDC.

What are the financial terms of the Quest Diagnostics and CDC agreement?

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

What is the significance of the genomic survey conducted by the CDC?

The survey aims to provide baseline information for surveillance, identify new virus variants, and improve public health responses related to COVID-19.