Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp: In-depth analysis of their clinical testing services

Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are two of the largest and most trusted names on the market They provide services to millions of Americans, from blood work and general health assessments to genetic testing. 

Despite their similarities, each company has strengths and weaknesses that are important to consider before deciding whose services to choose.

In this comparison of Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp, we’ll show you how they measure up in terms of billing, customer service, and test accuracy, among other factors. We’ll also introduce Nucleus, a DNA platform that offers more advanced genetic analysis for those seeking deeper insights into their health. 

Quest Diagnostics: Providing testing services for decades

Source: Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is one of the most well-known names in medical testing, offering over 100 different tests for illnesses like COVID-19, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Its services range from routine blood work to comprehensive wellness panels for men and women. 

In recent years, Quest Diagnostics expanded its offerings to include genetic testing, thanks to its acquisition of Blueprint Genetics. This addition provides specialized panels that can assess your genetic risk for hereditary cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other inheritable diseases. 

Quest offers various testing options for patients, including:

• In-person appointment in one of its 2,200+ testing centers 

• At-home test

• In-home sample collection

• Home collection kit

Labcorp: A leading provider of diagnostics services 

Source: Labcorp

Although Labcorp was established a few years after Quest Diagnostics, it has quickly become one of its biggest competitors. This is largely due to its comprehensive testing services, which cover everything from routine blood work and lipid panels to more specialized screenings, such as cancer diagnostics.

Like Quest, Labcorp also offers genetic testing, with panels that assess risks for hereditary cancer, autism, and other genetic conditions.

To ensure accessibility, Labcorp provides multiple testing options, including:

• Over 2,000 patient service centers for in-person testing

• At-home test kits for more convenience

Bonus — Explore our reviews on other medical testing providers:

• MyHeritage review

• Sequencing review

• MyHeritage vs. 23andMe

• Illumina sequencing vs. Sanger sequencing

Labcorp vs. Quest Diagnostics: A comparative analysis  

Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics offer similar diagnostic tests and genetic analyses but differ in several key areas. See our brief overview of their services in the table below:

| Aspect                            | Quest Diagnostics                                                                                                  | Labcorp                                                                                      |
|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Founded                           | 1967                                                                                                             | 1969                                                                                       |
| Available in countries            | 130 countries                                                                                                    | 100 countries                                                                              |
| Number of patient service centers | 2,200+ centers                                                                                                   | 2,000+ centers                                                                             |
| Genetic testing technology        | Next Generation Sequencing                                                                                       | Next Generation Sequencing                                                                 |
| Number of tests offered           | 100+                                                                                                             | 70+                                                                                        |
| Services offered                  | • Blood work<br>• Drug screening<br>• Wellness test<br>• Gene-based and molecular testing<br>• STD screening               | • Oncology<br>• Blood work<br>• Cancer testing<br>• STD screening<br>• Annual wellness               |
| Trustpilot rating                 | [1.5/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.questdiagnostics.com)                                              | [1.4/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/labcorp.com)                                     |
| Turnaround time                   | Varies depending on the complexity<br>of the test conducted                                                         | Varies depending on the complexity<br>of the test conducted                                   |
| Testing options                   | In-person appointment<br>In-home sample collection<br>Home collection kit<br>At-home test                        | In-person<br>Home sample collection

Our expert team conducted a detailed evaluation of Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics services using six key criteria:

1. Genetic testing technology and test variety 

2. Billing and insurance 

3. Test purchase validity 

4. Turnaround time

5. Customer reviews

6. Pricing

1. Genetic testing technology and test variety

Source: Labcorp 

Both Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp use Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for their genetic testing services. This method screens around 1–2% of your DNA and is more advanced than genotyping, the technology used by 23andMe and AncestryDNA, which only analyzes 0.01%. Still, these two companies provide insights into genetic risks differently. 

Quest Diagnostics adopts a broader approach with its Genetic Insights analysis — a single, consumer-initiated test that identifies variants linked to inherited conditions. This test is particularly effective for:

• Heart diseases

• Hereditary cancer 

• Solid tumors

• Pregnancy and fertility

• Chromosomal microarray analysis 

• Inborn errors of metabolism 

In contrast, Labcorp provides a more expansive range of genetic tests tailored to specific health concerns. These include tests for hereditary cancers, autism-related conditions, and reproductive health risks, emphasizing genetic traits that can be passed to offspring. Its portfolio also features prenatal screening and women’s health tests.

💡 Pro tip

While NGS is an advanced technology that can be used for targeted genetic testing, it does not show a complete genetic risk profile. NGS typically analyzes only around three million out of six billion DNA bases.

On the other hand, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the technology used by Nucleus, offers a more comprehensive analysis of your DNA by screening almost all six billion DNA data points — nearly 100% of your genome — with 99.9% accuracy. 

This enables the identification of rare variants other platforms might miss and helps you uncover insights that could guide proactive health decisions. As such, WGS analysis is better for individuals seeking the broadest assessment of their health risks.

2. Billing and insurance 

Both companies offer different billing perks for patients. Labcorp’s approach prioritizes upfront cost certainty, requiring uninsured patients to pay for services before sample collection is done. It also provide a Good Faith Estimate tool, allowing individuals to request an estimate of their bills. If the final bill exceeds this estimate by $400 or more, patients can dispute it.

Additionally, Labcorp offers discounted prices for routine tests to uninsured patients through its LabAccess Partnership Program, provided they pay in full at the time of service at a Labcorp testing center.

Quest Diagnostics, on the other hand, takes on a more flexible billing approach. Patients who cannot afford to pay upfront can enroll in a monthly installment plan. The company also has a Financial Assistance Program, which provides reduced fees or free services for eligible patients based on their income.

Overall, Labcorp appeals to those who value predictable, upfront pricing, while Quest Diagnostics accommodates individuals seeking flexibility through payment plans or income-based assistance.

3. Test purchase validity 

Source: Quest Diagnostics 

At Quest Diagnostics, test purchases are valid for 60 days. If you miss your appointment or fail to complete the test within this period, your purchase will automatically expire. In such cases, Quest issues an automatic refund but deducts a $20 cancellation fee. Note that you won’t be charged this fee for all testing programs. 

Labcorp, in contrast, provides a longer six-month validity period for test purchases. If you do not complete your test within this timeframe, your purchase will become void. Also, refunds are not provided for voided tests. 

Bonus — Learn how other medical testing providers handle test purchases and sample collection by reading our related reviews:

• Dante Labs reviews

• SelfDecode review

• Myriad Genetics review

• InsideTracker review

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4. Turnaround time

Both Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics offer a range of diagnostic tests, each with its own processing time. The table below provides an overview of typical turnaround times for their popular clinical testing services:

| Test                                              | Quest Diagnostics turnaround time                   | Labcorp turnaround time |
|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Menopause test                                    | 5 days                                            | 6–10 days               |
| Food allergy                                      | 2–5 business days<br>(2 weeks for more complex panels) | 3–4 days                |
| Hereditary breast cancer                          | 14–21 days                                        | 21–28 days              |
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea                           | 2–5 business days<br>(2 weeks for more complex panels) | 3–4 days                |
| Total testosterone test                           | 2–5 business days<br>(2 weeks for more complex panels) | 7–10 days               |
| Inherited heart disease/cardiovascular conditions | 7–10 days                                         | 14–21 days              |
| Hereditary cancer screening                       | 14–21 days                                        | 21–28 days

The table demonstrates that Quest Diagnostics offers shorter test turnaround times than Labcorp. This means that Quest Diagnostics is more suitable than Labcorp for patients needing faster results, especially when time-sensitive decisions depend on the test outcomes. 

5. Customer reviews

Both companies have mixed reviews from past customers regarding their services, billing, and appointment wait times. The table below shows their customer rating across different platforms:

| Platform   | Quest Diagnostics                                                   | Labcorp                                                                               |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Yelp       | [3.1/5](https://www.yelp.com/biz/quest-diagnostics-new-york-20)     | [2.6/5](https://www.yelp.com/brands/labcorp?msockid=0b2435ad1b7d6e21062627211a606f25) |
| Trustpilot | [1.5/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.questdiagnostics.com) | [1.4/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/labcorp.com)                                |

After reviewing customer feedback, we found that most complaints about Quest Diagnostics centered around its billing system. Many customers reported being overcharged or continuing to receive bills even after payment: 

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Charlotte/comments/1fdu67a/quest_diagnostics_fraudulent_billing_for_labs/?rdt=51678)

In contrast, Labcorp reviews often mentioned issues with customer service, with one former employee sharing their opinion on the accuracy of the results:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/medlabprofessionals/comments/139399t/comment/jj1noml/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

6. Pricing

When comparing Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp prices, Labcorp generally offers lower prices for many services. The table below gives an estimate of the prices of similar services both companies provide:

| Pricing                           | Labcorp | Quest Diagnostics               |
|-----------------------------------|---------|---------------------------------|
| Menopause Test                    | $139    | $135<br>+ $6 physician service fee |
| Women’s Health                    | $199    | $385                            |
| Men’s Health                      | $199    | $385                            |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | $49     | $49

In some cases, such as the TSH test, both companies offer identical pricing at $49. However, Quest Diagnostics charges nearly double Labcorp's price for health panels like Women’s Health and Men’s Health.

This disparity in Labcorp vs. Quest Diagnostics cost reflects differences in the scope of the tests. Quest Diagnostics includes more comprehensive diagnostic markers, accounting for its higher costs. For instance, Quest’s Women’s Health panels include evaluations for thyroid function and vitamin D levels, which Labcorp’s equivalent panel does not cover. 

Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp: Key takeaways

Choosing between Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics requires evaluating several factors, including their approach to genetic testing, pricing, and turnaround times.

Quest Diagnostics offers unique advantages, such as single-test solutions that provide insights into multiple genetic conditions. Its flexible billing options, including monthly installment plans and financial assistance programs, make its services accessible to a wider range of patients. Quest also tends to have shorter turnaround times for certain tests, which can be critical for those seeking quick results.

Labcorp, on the other hand, offers a longer purchase validity period of up to six months, allowing patients more flexibility in scheduling tests. Additionally, its prices for some tests, like women’s and men’s health panels, are more affordable than Quest Diagnostics, making them a more budget-friendly option. Labcorp also excels in providing transparent pricing. With upfront payment before testing, patients can better anticipate their expenses. 

Your choice comes down to weighing Quest’s flexibility and speed versus Labcorp’s transparency and affordability. Still, both companies rely on NGS for genetic testing, which does not offer a comprehensive overview of your genetic profile. 

Those seeking to understand the complete picture of their health should consider Nucleus. The company is HIPAA-compliant, and its labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, ensuring accurate results and privacy of your information. Nucleus uses whole-genome sequencing to provide the most comprehensive insights into your genetic makeup and an unparalleled understanding of your health, from inherited conditions to personal traits.

Nucleus: Unlocking genetic insights into 800+ conditions

Nucleus is a cutting-edge clinical-grade genetic screening platform powered by whole-genome sequencing. Unlike genotyping or NGS, WGS dives deep, analyzing nearly all six billion data points in your genome. This means Nucleus uncovers insights that other technologies often miss.

With just one test, Nucleus reveals your predisposition to more than 800 diseases and mental health conditions, including:

1. Rare cancers

2. Hypertension

3. Heart diseases 

4. Type 2 diabetes 

5. Alzheimer’s disease 

6. ADHD

7. OCD

8. Anxiety

9. Schizophrenia 

Nucleus goes beyond genetic analysis, incorporating lifestyle factors to provide a comprehensive health report tailored specifically to you. This holistic approach empowers you with information that can be used to take proactive steps for long-term well-being.

The company also has an AI feature that provides personalized health recommendations based on genetic data. If you need more guidance, you can also book a consultation with a board-certified genetic counselor through SteadyMD, who will help interpret your results. 

How to get started with Nucleus

With the Nucleus Premium DNA Kit, priced at just $399, you can unlock a detailed analysis of your DNA in a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for Nucleus Premium

2. Provide your personal information

3. Order your kit

Once your cheek swabbing kit arrives, follow the instructions to collect your sample and ship it using the prepaid return envelope. Within six to eight weeks, you’ll receive your personalized health report, which includes insights into over 800 conditions and actionable lifestyle recommendations to improve your health.

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Featured image: Pavel Danilyuk