Quest Diagnostics launches first consumer-initiated genetic test

Quest Diagnostics announced the launch of its first consumer-initiated genetic test, now exclusively available through the company’s consumer health business at questhealth.com. Called Genetic Insights, the new offering helps people understand their potential risk of developing certain inheritable health conditions, with advanced technology and end-to-end support that includes personalized health reports and access to genetic counseling. Using a saliva specimen, Genetic Insights analyzes 36 genes to identify potential risk of nearly two dozen inheritable conditions, including breast and colon cancer; a number of heart and blood disorders; and carrier status for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. Designed to address gaps in existing consumer genetic tests, the new test is powered by advanced next-generation sequencing technology, which can analyze thousands of DNA variants in genes associated with disease and looks at more regions in a person’s genome than microarray testing technology.