Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics

As the number of clinically relevant cancer biomarkers and targeted therapies continues to grow, comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy are playing an increasingly important role in precision oncology. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC, and Dr Harmeet Dhani explore how biomarker testing has evolved, the complementary roles of tissue and liquid biopsy, and how advances in testing are helping to identify the right care for the right patient across the cancer care continuum. This episode will Describe the pros and cons of tissue and blood-based comprehensive genomic profiling technologies and how they complement each other (6:35) Discuss the relevant guidelines for precision oncology and how providers and laboratories integrate them into practice (8:58) Explore balancing comprehensive molecular information and clinical actionability and opportunities to reduce delays (12:36) Review a patient case where comprehensive genomic profiling influenced care (17:27) Date: September 2026 Speaker(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Harmeet Dhani, MD, MBA Contributor(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Harmeet Dhani, MD, MBA; Anjana Bhattacharya, PhD; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Lawrence Bai, PhD; Mark Reed, PhD; Marjan Champine, MS, MBA, CGC   Additional resources: Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center Quest Diagnostics Solid Tumor Quest Diagnostics Oncology Solid Tumor Identifying Genetic Drivers White Paper   Ordering information: Quest Diagnostics Precision Oncology Menu Oncology Test Requisition Oncology portal   References: Sheikholeslami S, Loo EY. AMP case report: Ultra-hypermutated colorectal adenocarcinoma identified at relapse. CAP TODAY. June 2026 Aghamir SMK, Heshmat R, Ebrahimi M, et al. Liquid Biopsy: The Unique Test for Chasing the Genetics of Solid Tumors. Epigenet Insights. 2020;13:2516865720904052. Published 2020 Feb 28. doi:10.1177/2516865720904052 National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Version 7.2026). Published June 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://www.nccn.org National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (Version 3.2026). Published June 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://www.nccn.org Wallenta Law J, Bapat B, Sweetnam C, et al. Real-World Impact of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling on Biomarker Detection, Receipt of Therapy, and Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol. 2024;8:e2400075. doi:10.1200/PO.24.00075 Lockwood CM, Messersmith HJ, Kim AS, et al. Circulating Tumor DNA Testing in Solid Tumors and Lymphoma: ASCO Guideline. JCO Oncol Pract.; June 18, 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP-26-00311 Pankiw M, Brezden-Masley C, Charames GS. Comprehensive genomic profiling for oncological advancements by precision medicine. Med Oncol. 2023;41(1):1. Published 2023 Nov 22. doi:10.1007/s12032-023-02228-x  

While HIV has transitioned from an acute, life-threatening infection to a highly manageable chronic condition, significant complexities in screening, prevention, and long-term care remain. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the dramatic evolution of HIV care with Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO, a board-certified infectious disease physician and Senior Medical Director of Infectious Disease at Quest Diagnostics. They explore the cellular mechanisms of HIV, the timeline of diagnostic markers in the blood, the vital role of PrEP and baseline testing, and the clinical shift toward holistic, longitudinal care for patients aging with the virus. This episode will Explain the cellular mechanism of HIV infection and map the clinical timeline of diagnostic markers in the blood, including viral RNA, p24 antigen, and antibodies (3:30) Differentiate between historic and modern HIV testing methodologies, highlighting how the fourth-generation antigen/antibody combo assay addresses the critical window period (6:00) Outline the comprehensive laboratory testing required for safe PrEP initiation, including screening for co-infections like Hepatitis B and monitoring metabolic markers (8:00) Analyze clinical strategies for staging newly diagnosed patients and managing long-term viral suppression, addressing the complex systemic impacts of chronic inflammation on aging patients (13:30)   Speakers: Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO; Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributors: Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO; Katherine Watson; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Frank Samarro   Ordering information HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics   Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics HIV testing | Quest Diagnostics HIV testing | Quest Diagnostics   References US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for HIV Infection: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2019;321(23):2326-2337. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.6587 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Association of Public Health Laboratories. Laboratory Testing for the Diagnosis of HIV Infection: Updated Recommendations. CDC. 2014. CDC. HIV treatment and care. Updated April 16, 2026.  Accessed August 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/treatment-care/index.htmlClinical Care of HIV | HIV Nexus | CDC CDC. Clinical Guidance for PrEP | HIV Nexus | CDC. Updated April 30, 2026. Accessed August 6, 2026. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents with HIV. Department of Health and Human Services. Updated May 27, 2026. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/adult-and-adolescent-arv. Accessed August 6, 2026.

Despite cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, significant gaps in screening still leave many people vulnerable. But what if the screening process could be brought directly to the patient on their own terms? In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the ongoing evolution of cervical cancer screening with Quest Diagnostics experts Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB), a Senior Scientific Director in Infectious Disease, and Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA, the Senior Medical Director for Advanced Diagnostics in Women's Health. They explore the science behind HPV DNA and mRNA testing, the clinical considerations for different screening algorithms, and the revolutionary potential of patient self-collection to improve health equity and save lives. This episode will Trace the evolution of cervical cancer screening from the Pap smear to modern molecular testing and self-collection, and recognize its potential to improve access to care (3:00) Differentiate between HPV DNA and mRNA testing methodologies and analyze the clinical benefits and considerations for primary screening vs co-testing algorithms (5:00) Explore how HPV self-collection can break down barriers to care for underserved populations and improve health equity (11:00) Recognize the critical importance of ensuring appropriate patient follow-up to complete the care continuum after a positive self-collected test (16:40) Speakers: Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA; Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributors: Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA   Ordering information HPV Self-Collection HPV DNA (16, 18, Other High Risk), PCR, Vaginal Self-Collected | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics     Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Instant insights: HPV testing for cervical cancer screening| Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics Bringing cervical cancer screening closer to patients | Quest Diagnostics     Reference List Screening for Cervical Cancer. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2026;148(1):e63-e67. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000006257

Up to 30% of hypertensive patients in specialty care settings may have underlying Primary Aldosteronism (PA), yet a massive diagnostic gap still exists in screening for PA. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, and Jeffrey Hymes, MD, discuss the critical intersection of resistant hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and PA. They shed light on the direct, blood-pressure-independent toxicity of excess aldosterone on the kidneys and unpack the latest clinical guidelines from the AHA/ACC and Endocrine Society. They also review a guideline-based algorithm designed to streamline screening and follow-up for PA evaluation. This episode will Explore the bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension, recognizing Primary Aldosteronism (PA) as a highly prevalent underlying cause (4:25) Detail the direct toxicities of excess aldosterone, independent of systemic blood pressure (8:50) Review updated clinical guidelines and a practical diagnostic algorithm to screen, triage, and manage PA patients (12:45)   Ordering information Kidney Profile Kidney Profile with reflex to eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) Kidney Profile with eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone     Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Interpretation of Plasma Renin Activity With Reflex to Aldosterone Test (test code 13817) | Algorithm | Quest Diagnostics Primary aldosteronism algorithm brochure Quest Diagnostics nephrology brochure Primary aldosterone landing page Hypertension insights landing page     Reference List Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2025 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;85(4):e123-e145. Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4061 Adler GK, Stowasser M, Correa RR, et al. Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025;110(9):2453-2495. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaf284 Brown JM, Siddiqui M, Calhoun DA, et al. The unrecognized prevalence of primary aldosteronism: a cross-sectional study. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173(1):10-20. doi:10.7326/M20-0065 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed July 13, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/risk-factors/index.html

For decades, assessing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology required expensive PET scans or invasive lumbar punctures, creating significant diagnostic bottlenecks at the neurologist’s office. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Dr. Matt Stroh, PhD explore how groundbreaking blood-based biomarkers are completely changing the landscape of brain health. The conversation highlights the recent FDA clearance of a p-tau181 triage test to help rule out AD, as well as the power of advanced multibiomarker models. By combining plasma Aβ42/40 ratio and p-tau217, clinicians can now accurately predict amyloid PET positivity. Adding APOE4 allele count significantly reduces indeterminate results. This episode breaks down how these accessible tools are empowering primary care providers (PCPs) to confidently triage mild cognitive impairment (MCI), explore secondary causes of impairment, and streamline patient care well before a specialty referral is made. This episode will Introduce the shifting clinical landscape of Alzheimer's care, including the role of recently FDA-cleared p-tau181 tests in helping PCPs rule out AD pathobiology (2:15) Differentiate between normal age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease (4:30) Translate the pathophysiology of AD (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) into the clinical utility of advanced blood-based models, demonstrating how combining Aβ42/40 and p-tau217 accurately predicts amyloid PET positivity, while adding APOE4 significantly reduces indeterminate results (6:45) Outline an actionable primary care workflow for patients presenting with cognitive complaints, balancing AD biomarker testing with the assessment of secondary, reversible causes (14:10) Ordering information Quest AD-Detect ABeta 42/40 and p-tau217 Evaluation, Plasma Quest AD-Detect® Beta Amyloid 42/40 Ratio, Plasma Quest AD-Detect® Phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217), Plasma Quest AD-Detect® Phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181), Plasma Quest AD-Detect® Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Isoform, Plasma Dementia Panel, Secondary Causes Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Role of blood testing for Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers within the primary care setting | Quest Diagnostics Alzheimer's Risk Assessment | Quest Diagnostics The Coming Alzheimer's Disease Healthcare Revolution Survey Report AD Detect Multimarker Panel for PCPs | Quest Diagnostics   References Weber DM, Stroh MA, Taylor SW, et al. Development and clinical validation of blood-based multibiomarker models for the evaluation of brain amyloid pathology. Preprint. medRxiv. 2025;2025.02.27.25322892. April 2025. doi:10.1101/2025.02.27.25322892 Hansson O, Edelmayer RM, Boxer AL, et al. The Alzheimer's Association appropriate use recommendations for blood biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2022;18(12):2669-2686. doi:10.1002/alz.12756 Jack CR Jr, Bennett DA, Blennow K, et al. NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2018;14(4):535-562. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018 Data on file. Quest Diagnostics; 2026.