Quest Diagnostics to Distribute Guardant's FDA-Approved Colon Cancer Blood Test Nationwide

What's Happening?

Quest Diagnostics has entered into a multiyear agreement with Guardant Health to distribute the Shield blood test, which is the first FDA-approved primary screening option for colorectal cancer in adults aged 45 and older at average risk. This collaboration will allow physicians to order the test through Quest's extensive network, which includes about 650,000 clinicians and hospital accounts. The Shield test, which has been designed as a multi-cancer detection platform, will be available for order starting in the first quarter of 2026. Quest's sales team will also educate primary care physicians, obstetricians, and gynecologists about the test to enhance its reach and effectiveness.

Why It's Important?

The partnership between Quest Diagnostics and Guardant Health is significant as it aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer, a disease that has a high survival rate if caught early. By leveraging Quest's vast network, the Shield test can potentially overcome barriers to widespread screening, such as accessibility and awareness. This could lead to improved screening rates and early intervention, ultimately reducing mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer. The collaboration also highlights the growing trend of using blood-based tests for cancer screening, which could transform current screening practices and improve patient outcomes.

What's Next?

As the Shield test becomes available through Quest's network, it is expected that more patients will have access to this innovative screening method. The test's expansion to include multi-cancer detection is scheduled for national availability in October, which could further enhance its utility and adoption. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and patients, may respond positively to the increased accessibility and potential for early cancer detection. The success of this initiative could encourage further collaborations and innovations in the field of cancer diagnostics.