Quest Diagnostics is one of the biggest names in medical testing, handling everything from routine blood work to genetic screening. Still, depending on your needs, you might be looking for a different option — whether it’s for lower costs, faster results, better insurance compatibility, or access to more comprehensive genetic testing than Quest provides.
If you’re searching for an alternative to Quest Diagnostics, here are four providers that provide similar services, including routine lab work and health screening. We selected them based on their pricing, accessibility, and unique features.
For those specifically interested in advanced genetic testing, we’ll also introduce Nucleus, a platform that uses whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to provide in-depth DNA insights with a single test.
Why should you consider an alternative to Quest Diagnostics?
Source: Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics has over 2,200 patient centers offering over 100 tests for conditions like diabetes, COVID-19, STDs, and urinary tract infections. They also provide specialized panels for wellness, cancer, and autoimmune screening.
Still, many customers have voiced valid concerns about their experiences with Quest. Some of the most common frustrations include:
Lack of billing transparency: Many patients have reported unexpected charges, insurance mishaps, or even double billing — sometimes spending weeks just trying to get a refund. These ongoing frustrations have led many to seek providers with more transparent pricing and clearer billing processes
Slow turnaround time: While some Quest Diagnostics tests return results within a few days, others — especially specialized panels — can take over a week or even up to two to three weeks. In urgent cases where quick diagnosis is critical, some competitors provide faster turnaround times, allowing patients to begin treatment sooner
Specialized panels: Although Quest Diagnostics provides standard lab tests, some competitors offer deeper insights and have more advanced screenings that Quest Diagnostic doesn’t
If these concerns sound familiar, you might want to consider alternatives that can offer better transparency, faster results, or more specialized testing to meet your needs.
Quest Diagnostics Alternatives: 4 Top Choices
Our team has carefully reviewed four companies that provide genetic testing services similar to Quest Diagnostics. We selected these alternatives based on their features, affordability, clinical testing options, and ability to identify a wide range of genetic health risks. Below is a table with key information about these platforms:
1. Labcorp
Source: Labcorp
Like Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp is a widely recognized name in diagnostic testing, with over 2,200 patient centers nationwide. They offer an extensive range of tests, from prostate cancer screening and thyroid function tests to kidney health assessments and comprehensive health panels for both men and women. Like Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp also provides genetic testing using next-generation sequencing (NGS), allowing individuals to assess their risk for hereditary conditions.
If fast results are a priority, Labcorp’s turnaround time can be a bit unpredictable. While many standard tests return results within 1–3 days, more complex tests — like genetic screenings — can take up to 28 days. For comparison, Quest Diagnostics typically processes similar panels in 14 to 21 days. Also, there have been cases where patients reported not receiving results beyond the expected two-week timeframe.
Labcorp pricing and insurance coverage
Labcorp offers flexible pricing and payment options designed to accommodate a variety of patient needs. For uninsured patients, payment is generally required upfront. On the plus side, however, there are financial assistance programs and payment plans available for those who qualify. Labcorp also provides a good faith estimate to help self-pay patients understand costs before services are rendered, as required by law.
For patients with insurance, Labcorp files claims directly with Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance providers. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check with your insurance to ensure Labcorp is in-network.
Despite its extensive network, Labcorp has experienced some billing-related challenges in the past, including a $300,000 settlement under the False Claims Act.
Labcorp pros and cons
Bonus: While next-generation sequencing is great for targeted testing, it only looks at a small fraction of your DNA. Nucleus, on the other hand, uses whole-genome sequencing to analyze nearly 100% of your genetic data, giving you a much more complete picture of your health risks.
2. Sonic Healthcare USA
Source: Sonic Healthcare
Sonic Healthcare USA is one of the largest providers of diagnostic laboratory services in the United States, offering a wide range of testing options. Like Quest Diagnostics, Sonic Healthcare provides clinical laboratory testing, pathology, and diagnostic services. While a suitable alternative to Quest Diagnostics, Sonic Healthcare focuses more heavily on specialized and anatomic pathology services.
Some of the key services offered by Sonic Healthcare include:
Clinical laboratory testing
Pathology services
Genetic testing
Molecular diagnostics
Hematology services
Medical and molecular genetics
Cancer diagnostics
Disease screenings
Diagnostic imaging
While Sonic Healthcare offers specialized services, it doesn’t have a network of patient service centers as extensive as Quest Diagnostics. Additionally, unlike Quest Diagnostics, Sonic Healthcare primarily processes tests ordered by healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics rather than offering direct-to-consumer testing services.
Sonic Healthcare USA pricing and insurance coverage
Although Sonic Healthcare USA operates through multiple divisions, most accept major insurance plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. Still, coverage may vary, so it’s best to verify insurance compatibility with Sonic Healthcare or your provider.
Sonic Healthcare doesn’t provide upfront prices for their tests. However, they offer financial assistance to reduce test costs.
Sonic Healthcare USA pros and cons
3. Ulta Lab Tests
Source: Ulta Lab Tests
Ulta Lab Tests offers over 2,000 clinical panels for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and general wellness. They also have specialized genetic tests for conditions like cystic fibrosis and Wilson’s disease.
Results are processed quickly, with most tests returning within 24 to 48 hours, while more complex panels take 7 to 10 business days — a faster turnaround than Quest Diagnostics in many cases.
Like Quest Diagnostics, Ulta Lab Tests has thousands of patient service centers nationwide where customers can walk in for testing. They also allow direct test purchases without requiring a doctor’s approval, though this option is not available in New Jersey, Rhode Island, or New York due to state regulations.
Overall, their customer reviews are positive, with affordable pricing and fast results being key highlights. The main issue some patients have reported is difficulty reaching their customer support.
Ulta Lab Tests pricing and insurance coverage
When it comes to pricing, Ulta Lab Tests lists all costs upfront on its website, and its tests tend to be more affordable than Quest’s.
That said, Ulta Lab Tests doesn’t accept any insurance plans. Patients cannot request insurance reimbursements, and payments must be made via credit or debit cards (Ulta Labs currently doesn’t accept personal cheques).
Ulta Lab Tests pros and cons
4. Natera
Source: Natera
If you’re looking for a Quest Diagnostics alternative specializing in genetic and reproductive health testing, Natera is a strong contender. Although they don’t provide the full range of diagnostics that Quest does, they offer advanced DNA testing for three key areas:
Oncology: Their hereditary cancer screening analyzes multiple genes linked to 12 types of cancer, while their tumor profiling tests help tailor treatments based on genetic markers
Women’s health: Natera offers next-generation NIPT that screens for chromosomal conditions during pregnancy and carrier screening to help you understand your genetic risks before starting a family
Organ health: Their tests help you monitor kidney and heart transplant health. This will detect rejection risks and assist in managing kidney disease progression
In addition, they tend to have a faster turnaround time than Quest Diagnostics, as some of their results are processed in seven days. Still, it’s important to note you need a healthcare provider to request a Natera test on your behalf.
Natera pricing and insurance coverage
Natera doesn’t provide upfront pricing for most tests. To get an estimate, patients typically need to contact the billing department directly. Although Natera offers financial assistance to help reduce costs, some users have reported challenges with billing transparency.
Natera is in-network with most major insurance providers, including Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. However, coverage can vary depending on the provider and the specific test. A few patients have noted receiving higher-than-expected bills, particularly for tests covered by insurance. Additionally, all out-of-pocket costs are due within 30 days, which can be difficult for those dealing with billing disputes.
Natera pros and cons
Bonus — Check out our expert review of other providers that offer genetic testing services:
Final verdict: What’s the best Quest Diagnostics alternative?
When it comes to choosing a diagnostic testing provider, it all boils down to what best meets your needs — whether that’s a broad array of tests, transparency in pricing, or more specialized services. While many providers offer various options, they often come with limitations like limited patient access or pricing structures that can be difficult to navigate.
Meanwhile, Nucleus uses whole-genome sequencing to give you a detailed look at your genetic risks for over 800 conditions — all for a single, transparent price. While not a diagnostic test, Nucleus Premium provides a complete genetic profile in one streamlined process. Instead of spending hours and thousands of dollars on multiple separate screenings, Nucleus offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to gain valuable insights into your health.
Nucleus: Get deeper insights with an all-in-one WGS test
Most genetic tests only look at a tiny fraction of your DNA — about 0.1% — which means important health insights could be missed. Nucleus takes a different, holistic approach. Using whole-genome sequencing, it examines 6 billion data points in your DNA, giving you a complete picture of your genetic risks for over 800 conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
For $399, Nucleus Premium provides clear, easy-to-understand reports that break down your health risks. If you need additional guidance, you can connect with a genetic counselor through Nucleus’ partnership with SteadyMD to go over your results.
All samples are processed in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited U.S. laboratories, ensuring the highest standards for accuracy and security. As a fully regulated, HIPAA-compliant platform, Nucleus keeps your genetic data private and protected.
Plus, Nucleus AI helps you take action on your results, offering personalized recommendations for diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices based on your DNA. With cutting-edge technology, transparent pricing, and expert support, Nucleus makes genetic testing easy, accessible, and more informative than ever.
Take control of your health with Nucleus
Getting started with Nucleus Premium is easy:
Provide your personal information
Order your at-home test kit
Once your kit arrives, follow the instructions to collect your cheek swab sample and return it using the prepaid shipping label. In just six to eight weeks, you’ll receive detailed reports outlining your genetic risks and insights to help you make informed health decisions.
Your DNA holds the key to a healthier future. Take the first step with Nucleus Premium today.
You may also like…
Featured image source: Tima Miroshnichenko
