University Times

Quest Diagnostics Inc. and UPMC Health System have joined forces to provide improved access to laboratory services for physicians and patients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Quest Diagnostics is one of the nation's leading providers of diagnostic testing, information and services to physicians, hospitals, patients, managed care organizations, employers and government agencies. UPMC hospitals, physicians, affiliates and patients are expected to benefit from the expanded access to testing and enhanced result reporting that Quest Diagnostics provides.

Under the venture, UPMC and Quest Diagnostics will pursue several opportunities for technological innovation, including information technology, best practices in laboratory diagnostics and new test development, particularly in molecular diagnostics. "Today's laboratories serve a dual mission — maintaining themselves at the leading edge of scientific innovation while providing high-quality services at the lowest possible cost," said George Michalopoulos, professor and chair of pathology at the School of Medicine and pathologist-in-chief of UPMC. "The first mission requires commitment to research and development, while the second mission calls for organizational skills in networking with multiple sites. The fusion of each partner's capabilities into this venture will benefit patient care for the entire community of western Pennsylvania." Equity ownership of the venture will be shared 51 percent by Quest Diagnostics and 49 percent by UPMC. The board of managers will have equal representation. A joint medical leadership team led by a chief medical officer from the Department of Pathology of Pitt's medical school will provide medical oversight for the venture.