New H1N1 Flu Test Available Now - On Display At MEDICA 2009

2009 H1N1 Flu Test from Quest Diagnostics Now CE Marked For International Distribution under the Simplexa(TM) brand name

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, November 18 - Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider
of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that the
Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test developed by its Focus Diagnostics
business has been CE marked and is now available as a test kit for
distribution to approximately 35 countries in Europe. Focus Diagnostics is
showcasing the test at MEDICA 2009, November 18 to 21, 2009, at the
Dusseldorf Fair Trade Centre, Hall 3, Stand D20, Booth 2 (American Pavilion).

"As the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus continues to spread across the
globe, it is imperative that clinicians have access to reliable tests for
quickly and definitively identifying infected patients," said Harald Kessler,
M.D., professor and head of the research unit "Molecular Diagnostics",
Medical University of Graz, Austria. "The new Simplexa assay may contribute
to a fast and reliable option for generating 2009 H1N1 virus test results in
molecular laboratories throughout Europe and many other regions. Fast
turnaround time can aid in clinical management of patients and allow
hospitals to segregate infected patients from other high-risk individuals."

The Focus Diagnostics Simplexa(TM) Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test employs
real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to
qualitatively detect the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in a patient's nasal or
nasopharyngeal specimens. The test targets a region of the hemagglutinin gene
of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus specifically to detect the presence of 2009
H1N1 influenza RNA, thereby differentiating it from seasonal human influenza
A viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO), which provides guidance for
countries managing the pandemic, states that RT-PCR is the "only rapid
diagnostic test for which a positive result is accepted as confirmation" of
human infection with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus.(1)

The Focus Diagnostics Simplexa(TM) Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test is an
outgrowth of an exclusive global distribution agreement between Focus
Diagnostics and 3M (NYSE: MMM) under which Focus will develop and offer
molecular diagnostic test kits, to be sold under the Simplexa brand name, on
the 3M Integrated Cycler. The 3M Integrated Cycler supports real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and employs advanced data
management software to help laboratories process, store and transfer data
quickly and effectively. It can process up to 96 samples per run, and
provides results in 30 to 85 minutes, depending on the test's parameters. It
has a small laboratory footprint, at approximately 31 centimeters (12 inches)
high and 31 centimeters long.

The Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test, which was launched in October
2009, is the first offering from the Simplexa product line. Focus Diagnostics
plans to launch additional Simplexa test kits on the 3M Integrated Cycler for
infectious diseases in 2010, pending required regulatory clearances.

Quest Diagnostics' Focus Diagnostics has a track record of being first to
market with new laboratory testing services for emerging infectious diseases.
The company introduced a 2009 H1N1 flu test approximately two weeks after the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a pandemic emergency in
the U.S. in late April. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the
regulatory body that oversees diagnostic testing in the U.S., granted
emergency use authorizations to Focus Diagnostics for its first test as well
as its new Simplexa test.

"Expanded influenza capability could be critically important as the
pandemic virus continues its spread globally," said John G. Hurrell, PhD,
vice president and general manager, Focus Diagnostics. "Our Simplexa test
affords many hospital, health clinic and reference laboratories the ability
to quickly produce results, even when faced with high volumes of testing,
using a compact, reliable molecular device."

To order the test, please contact Focus Diagnostics at +49-6026-9499540
(Europe) or 800-445-0185 (U.S.). You may also email us at
H1N12009@focusdx.com. For more information about Quest Diagnostics and
influenza testing options, please visit www.QuestDiagnostics.com/2009H1N1 or
www.FocusDx.com/2009H1N1.

About the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization

The FDA has authorized Focus Diagnostics to market and offer its
Simplexa(TM) Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test for use on the 3M(TM) Integrated
Cycler to CLIA high-complexity laboratories for use during the emergency. The
3M Integrated Cycler is a microfluidic molecular diagnostic testing system
and is not FDA cleared or approved. This Simplexa(TM) Influenza A H1N1 (2009)
test has not been FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by
FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization. This test is only authorized for
the duration of the declaration of emergency under section 564(b)(1) of the
Act, 21 U.S.C. section 360bbb-3(b)(1). The declaration of emergency will
expire on April 26, 2010, unless it is terminated or revoked sooner or
renewed.

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. HerpeSelect(R)
type-specific HSV serology and West Nile Virus DxSelect(TM) are top-selling
Focus Diagnostics products used in laboratories worldwide. Focus Diagnostics
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.

Focus Diagnostics has collaborated with the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other public health
agencies to help identify and develop diagnostic tests for emerging
infectious diseases. Focus Diagnostics was instrumental in developing the
first laboratory developed test for West Nile virus after it was identified
in New York in 1999. Focus Diagnostics also introduced the first laboratory
developed test for SARS and one of the first FDA-cleared serological test
kits for Lyme disease. Visit www.focusdx.com for additional information.

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. Additional company information is available
at www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of
innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is
applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in
combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales,
3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60
countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

(1) "WHO European guidance for influenza surveillance in humans," World
Health Organization, 2009.

Contacts: Kathleen Valentine, Investors, +1-973-520-2900, Wendy Bost,
Media, +1-973-520-2800

Kathleen Valentine, Investors, +1-973-520-2900, or Wendy Bost, Media, +1-973-520-2800, both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated