The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics®

Quest Diagnostics®

Physicians routinely diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions across multiple clinical areas. Whether it’s a condition studied for decades or an emerging infection, comprehensive diagnostic testing is enabling faster and more effective care to drive better patient outcomes. In fact, most medical decisions are based at least partly on lab testing! On The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics®, we are joined by diagnostics industry leaders who support providers in optimizing care pathways for their patients. From the latest in cutting-edge research to the real-world impact of diagnostic testing on treatment journeys, The Results Are In features can’t-miss stories for those wanting to stay in the know about the latest innovations in laboratory diagnostics.

Episodes

  1. May 27

    Tick-Borne Disease: Testing, Timing, and Better Diagnosis

    Tick-borne diseases are becoming an increasing concern across the United States, with rising case counts and expanding geographic spread. While Lyme disease remains the most recognized infection, clinicians are now facing a broader range of pathogens and more complex cases involving co-infections. In this episode of The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics, host Anne Freeman sits down with Dr. Ann Salm, PhD, Director and Medical Science Liaison Lead for Infectious Disease and Immunology at Quest. Together, they walk through the growing burden of tick-borne illness, the environmental and ecological factors driving its rise, and why accurate diagnosis is becoming more challenging. They break down the importance of timing when selecting diagnostic tests, explaining when molecular testing versus serologic testing is most effective. The conversation also explores the evolution of Lyme disease testing, from standard two-tier testing to the modified two-tier approach, and how newer methods can improve early detection. Listeners will also gain insight into co-infections like anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, and how comprehensive testing panels can support better clinical decision-making. The episode highlights how providers can approach testing strategically to improve patient outcomes in an increasingly complex diagnostic landscape. Don’t miss this practical and timely discussion on how testing advancements are shaping the future of tick-borne disease management. Follow Us Twitter @QuestDX  Facebook @QuestDiagnostics Instagram @QuestDiagnostics LinkedIn @QuestDiagnostics Abbreviations used in episode: CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention IgG: Immunoglobulin G IgM: Immunoglobulin M STTT: Standard Two-Tier Testing MTTT: Modified Two-Tier Testing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Mar 4

    Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: Symptoms, risk factors, and the value of pancreatic elastase testing

    Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is an underrecognized but clinically significant condition that can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and long-term complications if left undiagnosed. Fortunately, there's a noninvasive and highly specific test that can help clinicians take the guesswork out of diagnosis. In this episode of The Results Are In, host Jen Jenkins speaks with Dr Elif Nahas, Associate Director of Pathology and Chair of the Gastrointestinal and Liver Resource Committee at Quest Diagnostics. Dr Nahas explains what EPI is, the most common symptoms, and which patients are at highest risk. She also outlines how pancreatic elastase testing works, why it’s reliable even for patients already on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and how to interpret test results accurately. Whether you're a primary care provider or a GI specialist, this episode offers clear insights into why EPI should be on your diagnostic radar and how early identification and treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. Follow Us Twitter @QuestDX  Facebook @QuestDiagnostics Instagram @QuestDiagnostics LinkedIn @QuestDiagnostics Abbreviations used in episode: EPI: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency AGA: American Gastroenterological Association References mentioned in episode:  Quest Diagnostics Test Directory – Pancreatic Elastase-1, Fecal:https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/14693/pancreatic-elastase-1?cc=MASTER American Gastroenterological Association (AGA):https://gastro.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 11/05/2025

    PFAS: Understanding the Risks and the Role of Testing

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have made their way into drinking water, consumer products, and even our bodies. With potential health risks tied to exposure, PFAS have become one of the most pressing public health challenges today. In this episode of The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics, host Dr Jack Kain speaks with Dr. Sarah Bartock, National Science Director of Drug Monitoring & Toxicology at Quest. Together, they break down what PFAS are, how people are exposed, and the health conditions that have been linked to these chemicals. They also discuss how blood testing—including Quest’s PFAS 9 Panel—can help patients and providers better understand risk and make informed decisions about exposure reduction and health monitoring. Listeners will also hear about emerging research into possible interventions, the limitations of current testing, and the broader challenges of addressing PFAS in the environment. Don’t miss this important conversation that connects environmental science, preventive care, and clinical practice. Follow Us Twitter @QuestDX  Facebook @QuestDiagnostics Instagram @QuestDiagnostics LinkedIn @QuestDiagnostics Abbreviations used in episode: NHANES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey  NASEM: National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine  References mentioned in episode:  Møller JJ, Lyngberg AC, Hammer PEC, et al.. Substantial decrease of PFAS with anion exchange resin treatment - A clinical cross-over trial. Environ Int. 2024;185:108497. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108497Ducatman A, Luster M, Fletcher T. Perfluoroalkyl substance excretion: Effects of organic anion-inhibiting and resin-binding drugs in a community setting. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2021;85:103650. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2021.103650  Lindell AE, Grießhammer A, Michaelis L, et al. Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nat Microbiol. 2025;10(7):1630-1647.  Dzierlenga MW, Keast DR, Longnecker MP. The concentration of several perfluoroalkyl acids in serum appears to be reduced by dietary fiber. Environ Int. 2021;146:106292. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.106292Schlezinger JJ, Biswas K, Garcia A, Heiger-Bernays WJ, Bello D. An oat fiber intervention for reducing PFAS body burden: A pilot study in male C57Bl/6 J mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol.  2025;495:117188. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2024.117188Tian Y, Luan M, Zhang J, Yang H, Wang Y, Chen H. Associations of single and multiple perfluoroalkyl substances exposure with folate among adolescents in NHANES 2007-2010. Chemosphere. 2022;307(Pt 3):135995. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135995Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Wang YX, Sun Y, Agudelo J, et al.. Folate concentrations and serum perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in adolescents and adults in the USA (National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2003-16): an observational study. Lancet Planet Health. 2023;7(6):e449-e458. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00088-8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About

Physicians routinely diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions across multiple clinical areas. Whether it’s a condition studied for decades or an emerging infection, comprehensive diagnostic testing is enabling faster and more effective care to drive better patient outcomes. In fact, most medical decisions are based at least partly on lab testing! On The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics®, we are joined by diagnostics industry leaders who support providers in optimizing care pathways for their patients. From the latest in cutting-edge research to the real-world impact of diagnostic testing on treatment journeys, The Results Are In features can’t-miss stories for those wanting to stay in the know about the latest innovations in laboratory diagnostics.