The Quest Diagnostics test is believed to be the first provided by a national laboratory to combine testing for the normal version of the CYP2C19 gene and four mutations that appear in the genetics of 90 percent of Caucasians and 99 percent of Asians who are poor metabolizers of clopidogrel. Specifically, the test, which employs polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indicates if a patient will respond normally to clopidrogel (has the wild type, or normal, CYP2C19*1 allele) or not normally because of the presence of one or more of four mutated alleles (CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2C19*4 or CYP2C19*5).

The saliva-based test allows specimens to be collected at a physician's office or by the patient in his or her home. It is the first saliva-based test for cardiovascular disease developed by Quest Diagnostics. The company expects to offer the saliva- and blood-based versions of the test nationally to its other clients this month.

Patients who test positive for the mutated alleles may receive alternative treatments based on a variety of factors. These treatments may include increased monitoring, an increased dosage of clopidogrel or the use of alternative therapies, including treatment with Effient?® (prasugrel), a blood thinner approved by the FDA in July 2009.

"Our collaboration with Scripps Health reflects our commitment to developing diagnostics based on quality research and superlative medical expertise," said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., a former vascular surgeon who is now senior vice president and chief medical officer for Quest Diagnostics. "We look forward to continuing to work with Scripps to design forward-thinking diagnostics and medical practices that, like CYP testing, can have a significant favorable impact on patient outcomes."

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics