When it comes to blood tests and diagnostic services in the United States, two names stand out above the rest: Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp. Both companies operate nationwide, offer thousands of testing options, and are trusted by doctors, hospitals, and patients alike. But if you’re planning to schedule a blood test in 2025, which one should you choose?
This article provides an in-depth comparison of Quest Diagnostics vs. LabCorp, looking at their pricing, availability, test options, insurance coverage, customer experience, and more. By the end, you’ll know which provider fits your needs best.
Quick Comparison Table: Quest vs. LabCorp (2025)
| Feature | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Locations | 2,200+ nationwide | 2,000+ nationwide |
| Test Menu | 3,500+ test options | 3,000+ test options |
| Average Walk-In Cost | $50–$300 (depending on test) | $40–$280 (depending on test) |
| Insurance Coverage | Widely accepted (Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid) | Similar wide acceptance |
| At-Home Test Kits | Yes (limited, mostly COVID & STD) | Yes (expanded, DNA, COVID, STD) |
| Turnaround Time | 1–3 business days for most tests | 1–2 business days for most tests |
| Specialty Services | Wellness screenings, employer testing | Clinical trials, specialty diagnostics |
| Customer Experience | User-friendly app & scheduling | Streamlined physician integration |
Location and Accessibility
Both Quest and LabCorp have thousands of locations across the U.S. In major cities, you’ll often find both within a few miles of each other. Rural areas may have fewer options, but LabCorp tends to have slightly stronger partnerships with local hospitals.
- Quest Diagnostics operates over 2,200 patient service centers. Many of these centers allow same-day or next-day appointments online.
- LabCorp has over 2,000 locations and partners with numerous hospitals, often embedding their labs directly within medical centers.
Verdict: Tie – Both are widely available, with slight advantages depending on your region.
Pricing and Insurance
For patients paying out-of-pocket, costs can vary widely. Basic blood work like a Complete Blood Count (CBC) might cost around $50–$60 at both labs. More specialized tests, such as hormone panels or genetic screenings, can run into hundreds of dollars.
- Quest Diagnostics is known for transparent pricing. Their website offers an online price estimator for many tests.
- LabCorp often comes out slightly cheaper, especially for self-pay patients, and offers bundled test pricing for wellness panels.
Both accept most major insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Verdict: LabCorp has a small edge for out-of-pocket affordability, while Quest provides better upfront pricing transparency.
Test Menu and Specialties
Both labs offer extensive menus covering:
- Routine blood work (CBC, metabolic panels, lipid tests)
- STD screening
- Genetic and DNA testing
- Cancer diagnostics
- Allergy panels
- Drug and toxicology screening
Quest Diagnostics stands out in wellness and employer testing programs, making it a top choice for workplace screenings.
LabCorp, on the other hand, has a stronger reputation in clinical trials and specialty diagnostics, often partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Verdict: Quest for wellness testing; LabCorp for advanced clinical and specialty diagnostics.
Convenience and Technology
Both providers offer modern conveniences, such as online scheduling, mobile apps, and electronic results delivery.
- Quest’s MyQuest App allows patients to view results, schedule appointments, and pay bills online. Their system is highly user-friendly.
- LabCorp’s Patient Portal is more physician-centric, making it a strong choice for patients who regularly work with doctors.
In addition, both offer at-home test kits, but LabCorp currently has a broader selection, including genetic, COVID-19, and STD kits.
Verdict: Quest wins for user experience, while LabCorp shines in at-home test kit variety.
Turnaround Time
For most common blood tests, both labs deliver results within 1–3 business days. However:
- Quest Diagnostics averages 2–3 days for most tests.
- LabCorp averages 1–2 days, sometimes faster for urgent tests.
Verdict: LabCorp is slightly faster overall.
Customer Experience and Reviews
- Quest Diagnostics: Customers often praise their clean facilities, friendly staff, and easy-to-use online tools. Complaints usually focus on wait times at busier locations.
- LabCorp: Customers appreciate fast results and physician coordination, but reviews often mention long wait times if arriving without an appointment.
Verdict: Quest leads in customer experience for direct-to-patient interactions; LabCorp excels when working directly with doctors.
Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
Both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are excellent choices, and your decision may come down to personal priorities:
- Choose Quest Diagnostics if you value:
- Transparent pricing
- A user-friendly patient app
- Employer wellness programs
- Choose LabCorp if you prioritize:
- Faster results
- Slightly lower out-of-pocket costs
- Wider variety of at-home test kits
Bottom line: Quest is the better choice for individual patients looking for convenience and clarity. LabCorp is stronger for those seeking speed, affordability, and advanced specialty testing.
Yes. Both providers allow patients to order certain tests directly, especially through their wellness and at-home testing programs.
Both accept nearly all major insurance providers. There’s no significant difference in coverage.
Yes, both Quest and LabCorp’s at-home kits are FDA-authorized and reliable for most common screenings. However, always confirm results with a physician.
LabCorp generally offers slightly lower prices for self-pay patients, but Quest provides better upfront estimates.
In 2025, both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp remain industry leaders for diagnostic testing in the U.S. If you’re looking for user-friendly service and transparent costs, Quest may be the better fit. If speed, affordability, and advanced testing are your priorities, LabCorp could be your top choice.
👉 Looking for a blood test center near you? Explore our full directory of Blood Test Centers in the USA to find the best option in your city.
