When it comes to reliable blood testing and diagnostic services in the United States, two names always stand out: Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Both companies operate thousands of locations nationwide, offering a wide range of lab tests, health screenings, and specialized diagnostic services.
But if you’re deciding between Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp, which one is better for you? Let’s compare them side by side in terms of services, pricing, insurance coverage, convenience, and accuracy.
1. Overview of Quest Diagnostics
- Founded: 1967
- Headquarters: Secaucus, New Jersey
- Locations: Over 2,200 patient service centers across the U.S.
- Specialties: Routine blood tests, specialty diagnostics, employer drug testing, at-home testing kits.
Quest is known for its wide accessibility and partnerships with healthcare providers nationwide. It’s a popular choice for patients needing routine lab work or insurance-covered tests.
2. Overview of Labcorp
- Founded: 1978
- Headquarters: Burlington, North Carolina
- Locations: Over 2,000 centers in the U.S.
- Specialties: Advanced diagnostics, oncology testing, genetic testing, drug development research.
Labcorp has a strong reputation for research-driven testing and advanced diagnostics. It’s often preferred by physicians for specialized or complex tests.
3. Key Comparison: Quest Diagnostics vs. Labcorp
| Feature | Quest Diagnostics | Labcorp |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Centers | 2,200+ | 2,000+ |
| Appointments | Online booking & walk-ins | Online booking & walk-ins |
| Home Test Kits | Available for certain tests | Limited |
| Specialized Testing | Broad but general | Strong in genetics, oncology |
| Insurance Coverage | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
| Pricing | Competitive, transparent | Slightly higher for specialized tests |
| Results Delivery | Online portal & app | Online portal & app |
4. Pricing Comparison
- Quest Diagnostics: Offers transparent pricing on their website. For example, a standard Complete Blood Count (CBC) test costs around $59–$70 if paid out of pocket.
- Labcorp: Pricing varies, often slightly higher for specialized tests, with a CBC test costing around $80–$100.
👉 Winner: Quest Diagnostics is generally more affordable for basic tests.
5. Insurance Coverage
Both Quest and Labcorp work with most major insurance providers in the U.S., including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage may vary depending on your state and healthcare provider.
👉 Tip: Always check with your insurance company to confirm which lab is considered “in-network” for your plan.
6. Convenience & Accessibility
- Quest: More centers in retail spaces like Walmart and CVS, making it highly convenient.
- Labcorp: Often located near hospitals or medical offices, which can be more practical for patients already visiting doctors.
👉 If you want easy access, Quest might be more convenient. If you need advanced tests, Labcorp is the stronger choice.
7. Accuracy & Reliability
Both companies use state-of-the-art technology and follow strict federal regulations under CLIA certification, meaning accuracy and reliability are almost the same.
8. Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Quest Diagnostics if: You need routine tests, want lower pricing, and value convenience (locations inside retail stores).
- Choose Labcorp if: You need specialized or advanced testing, especially for genetics, oncology, or clinical research-related work.
Yes, Quest is usually more affordable for routine tests, but pricing may vary by location and insurance.
Both accept most major insurance plans, but you should confirm with your provider to avoid unexpected costs.
Yes, both allow walk-ins and online booking, but availability depends on your location.
Quest offers at-home test kits for certain conditions. Labcorp is starting to expand in this area but has fewer options.
Labcorp is generally better for advanced or specialized diagnostics, while Quest is better for everyday lab work.
Both Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are leaders in the diagnostic industry. The best choice depends on your needs:
- For affordable, routine, and convenient testing, go with Quest Diagnostics.
- For specialized, research-driven diagnostics, Labcorp is the better option.
👉 Either way, both labs provide accurate, reliable, and professional services nationwide.
