When it comes to blood tests and diagnostic services, two giants dominate the U.S. healthcare landscape: Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics. Both handle millions of lab tests annually, serving patients, doctors, and hospitals nationwide.
But if you’re waiting on critical blood test results, every hour matters. Patients often ask: “Which lab delivers faster results: Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics?”
In this article, we’ll dive deep into turnaround times (TAT), examine the factors that affect test speed, compare both labs head-to-head, and help you determine which option is right for your medical needs in 2025.
Understanding Turnaround Time (TAT)
Turnaround time refers to the time between sample collection and when the results are available. For most routine tests, both Labcorp and Quest aim to provide results within 24–72 hours.
However, actual speed can vary based on:
- Type of test (routine vs. specialized)
- Volume of samples at the lab
- Day and time of collection (weekend vs weekday)
- Insurance verification and billing processes
- Technology used for processing
Labcorp: Result Speed
Average Turnaround Time
- Routine Tests (CBC, BMP, Lipid Panel, HbA1c): 24–48 hours
- Specialty Tests (Genetic, Oncology, Allergy Panels): 3–7 days
- COVID-19 PCR Test (during peak demand): 1–2 days
Why Labcorp Can Be Faster
- High-capacity labs with automated systems
- Integrated partnerships with hospitals and physicians for faster reporting
- Efficient courier network for sample transportation
Potential Delays at Labcorp
- High patient volume in large cities
- Insurance pre-authorization delays
- Some specialty tests sent to central reference labs
Quest Diagnostics: Result Speed
Average Turnaround Time
- Routine Tests (CBC, Lipid, TSH, HbA1c): 24–72 hours
- Specialty Tests: 3–10 days (depending on complexity)
- Direct-to-Consumer Kits: 2–5 days from mailing to results
Why Quest Can Be Faster in Some Cases
- MyQuest App: digital access to results without waiting for doctor’s call
- Retail partnerships (Walmart, Walgreens) offering extended collection hours
- At-home testing options, reducing wait times for appointment scheduling
Potential Delays at Quest
- Larger volume of direct-to-consumer tests can slow processing
- Urban centers with high demand may see backlog
- Specialty testing sometimes outsourced, adding 1–2 days
Labcorp vs Quest: Direct Comparison
| Category | Labcorp | Quest Diagnostics |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Tests | 24–48 hrs | 24–72 hrs |
| Specialty Tests | 3–7 days | 3–10 days |
| Digital Results Access | Patient Portal | MyQuest App (faster) |
| At-Home Testing | Limited availability | Strong direct-to-consumer |
| Weekend Access | Limited hours | Wider retail partnerships |
👉 Key Takeaway:
- Labcorp is often slightly faster for routine tests (24–48 hours).
- Quest may take longer (up to 72 hours), but has better digital and retail accessibility.
Who Should Choose Labcorp for Faster Results?
Labcorp may be better if you:
- Need standard tests quickly (e.g., cholesterol, diabetes, blood count)
- Have a doctor affiliated with Labcorp (results integrated faster)
- Live in suburban or rural areas where Labcorp is often more available
- Want slightly lower self-pay pricing along with quick results
Who Should Choose Quest Diagnostics for Faster Results?
Quest may be better if you:
- Value convenience with retail locations (inside Walmart or Walgreens)
- Want digital access to results via the MyQuest app
- Prefer direct-to-consumer testing without visiting a doctor first
- Have insurance plans that cover Quest more widely
- “I got my CBC results from Labcorp in less than 24 hours, which was faster than expected.”
- “Quest’s MyQuest app notified me as soon as my results were ready. I didn’t even need to call my doctor.”
- “Labcorp was faster for my basic labs, but Quest offered more flexible appointment times.”
For most routine blood tests, Labcorp is slightly faster (24–48 hours vs. 24–72 hours at Quest).
Rarely. Same-day results may be possible for urgent cases, but most tests take at least 24 hours.
Yes. Routine tests are faster (1–2 days). Specialty panels may take a week or more at both labs.
Insurance itself doesn’t delay lab processing, but billing pre-authorization may delay when your provider releases results.
Both Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics are reliable and accurate labs. However, when it comes to faster results, Labcorp generally delivers routine tests more quickly (24–48 hours) compared to Quest (24–72 hours).
That said, Quest excels in convenience, offering retail and digital access that Labcorp can’t always match.
👉 If speed is your top priority, choose Labcorp.
👉 If convenience and digital tools matter more, go with Quest Diagnostics.
Either way, both labs remain industry leaders in accuracy and reliability for blood testing in 2025.