Labcorp vs. Quest Diagnostics: Which Is the Best Lab Testing Facility for You?

If you need to get blood work or other certain tests done, there are several lab testing facilities you could choose to use. However, picking the right one for you can be challenging. So today, we'll compare two of the largest, most popular options and help you decide which is the better option for you, Labcorp vs. Quest Diagnostics.

What Should You Know About Labcorp?

Labcorp has been at the forefront of diagnostic testing since 1978, when the company was founded. Although it started as a small lab testing facility in North Carolina, it expanded over the years to include more testing options and locations. As of today, the company is one of the largest health care providers in America, serving more than 240 million people annually and employing over 70,000 employees at its various locations.

Below, we'll take an in-depth look at some key details to help you better understand Labcorp's offerings and the experience you might expect to receive if you choose them for your next medical lab tests.

Testing Services Offered

Not every testing service is offered at all locations, so it's a good idea to call ahead if you need a specific test aside from routine blood work. Across their locations, Labcorp offers the following testing services:

• Blood work (routine and specialized testing)
• Drug testing (by urine, blood or other sources)
• Abdominal fluid testing
• Plasma testing
• Urine tests (including diabetes screening tests and drug testing, among others)
• Amniotic fluid testing
• Saliva testing
• Bone marrow testing
• Stool testing
• Wound fluid testing
• Allergy testing
• Cancer diagnostics

For some testing services offered, samples can be taken on-site. For example, urine and blood samples can be taken in all Labcorp locations. However, some samples must be collected in a doctor's office or hospital before being sent to Labcorp.

Insurances Accepted

The insurances accepted by Labcorp vary by state but generally include a wide range of some of the most popular insurance companies. Examples of insurance providers accepted by Labcorp include: Aetna, Cigna, Humana and Wellcare. In most states, state insurances like Medicaid and Medicare are also accepted. You can search online for the insurances accepted in your state.

What Customers Have to Say

On Trust Pilot, Labcorp has received 1.6 out of 5 stars with a total of 96 customer reviews, which is an overall unfavorable rating. Negative reviews primarily complain about delayed test results, poor customer service experiences and staffing issues in specific offices.

However, specific Labcorp locations have high ratings, whereas other sites have low ones. Therefore, before visiting your closest Labcorp location, you should look at the reviews for that particular lab testing facility since online reviews are very mixed.

What Should You Know About Quest Diagnostics?

Quest Diagnostics is an American corporation founded in 1967 that provides a range of lab testing and additional diagnostics to patients in over 1,200 facilities worldwide, with most of its locations based in the United States. Annually, the company provides more than 700 million patient consultations. Currently, Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic services in North America.

Below, we'll take a comprehensive look at some of Quest Diagnostic's key details to help you better understand its offerings and the experience you might expect to receive should you choose the company for your next medical diagnostics. 

Testing Services Offered

The diagnostic testing services offered by Quest Diagnostics are essentially the same as those provided by Labcorp, including:

• Blood work (routine and specialized testing)
• Drug testing (by urine, blood or other sources)
• Abdominal fluid testing
• Plasma testing
• Urine tests (including diabetes screening tests and drug testing, among others)
• Amniotic fluid testing
• Saliva testing
• Bone marrow testing
• Stool testing
• Wound fluid testing
• Allergy testing
• Cancer diagnostics
• STD testing

However, some testing locations for Quest Diagnostics also offer imaging tests in addition to their lab testing. Not all tests are available at every location, so you should call ahead if you require a specific test other than routine blood work or urinalysis. Although many samples can be collected in one of Quest Diagnostic's offices, some require samples to be collected at a hospital or doctor's office.

Insurances Accepted

The insurances accepted by Quest Diagnostics vary by state but include big-name insurance providers like United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and Anthem. You can use Quest's useful online tool to see if the company accepts your insurance provider and specific plan in your state. The only information you need to get started is your location and the name of your health insurance company.

What Customers Have to Say

Online reviews for Quest Diagnostics are mixed. On Trust Pilot, the company is rated 1.5 out of 5 stars with 392 reviews. Negative reviews primarily complain about poor customer service, long wait times and difficulty getting in touch over the phone. However, some locations (like this one) are rated significantly higher.

Since the reviews are so mixed based on location, you should look at the reviews for your preferred location before visiting. This will give you a better sense of what you can expect at your local facility.

Labcorp vs. Quest Diagnostics: Which Is the Best Lab Testing Facility?

Overall, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics have similar offerings and similar customer review ratings. However, there are a few considerations that might help you decide between the two.

Labcorp may be the better choice if:

• It has a more convenient location in your area
• Your insurance is accepted by Labcorp but not by Quest Diagnostics
• The nearest Labcorp location has a better rating than the nearest Quest Diagnostics location

Quest Diagnostics may be the better choice if:

• It has a more convenient location in your area
• Your insurance is accepted by Quest Diagnostics but not by Labcorp
• The nearest Quest Diagnostics location has a better rating than the nearest Labcorp location
• You require imaging diagnostics versus routine blood work