Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting millions of women, yet a staggering number of cases go undiagnosed. Now, a proposed name change and new diagnostic tools are set to redefine how this complex condition is managed. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD is joined by Marco Marcelli, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist and Medical Director in Rese...

As the number of clinically relevant cancer biomarkers and targeted therapies continues to grow, comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy are playing an increasingly important role in precision oncology. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC, and Dr Harmeet Dhani explore how biomarker testing has evolved, the complementary roles of tissue and liquid biopsy, and how advances in...

While HIV has transitioned from an acute, life-threatening infection to a highly manageable chronic condition, significant complexities in screening, prevention, and long-term care remain. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the dramatic evolution of HIV care with Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO, a board-certified infectious disease physician and Senior Medical Director of Infectious Disease at Qu...

Despite cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, significant gaps in screening still leave many people vulnerable. But what if the screening process could be brought directly to the patient on their own terms? In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the ongoing evolution of cervical cancer screening with Quest Diagnostics experts Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB), a Senio...

Up to 30% of hypertensive patients in specialty care settings may have underlying Primary Aldosteronism (PA), yet a massive diagnostic gap still exists in screening for PA. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, and Jeffrey Hymes, MD, discuss the critical intersection of resistant hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and PA. They shed light on the direct, blood-pressure-independent toxicity o...

For decades, assessing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology required expensive PET scans or invasive lumbar punctures, creating significant diagnostic bottlenecks at the neurologist’s office. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Dr. Matt Stroh, PhD explore how groundbreaking blood-based biomarkers are completely changing the landscape of brain health. The conversation highlights the recent FDA cl...

Whole exome sequencing (WES) is transforming the way genetic testing has moved from a research tool to an increasingly important first-line diagnostic test for many patients. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC and Steve Keiles, MS, CGC discuss how advances in WES, growing insurance coverage, and expanding clinical applications are helping patients get answers faster while improving...

In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and...

Millions of people with systemic autoimmune diseases face a long and frustrating journey to diagnosis, often lasting years. In this episode, Dr Maeson Latsko explores how to expand on the standard antinuclear antibody (ANA) test for autoimmune disease. While the ANA test is a critical starting point, a negative result doesn't rule out disease, and a positive result is not a definitive diagnosis. T...

The diagnostic landscape for rare disease is being reshaped by whole exome sequencing, which is increasingly used as a first-line test for cases involving unexplained developmental delay, epilepsy, or multisystem disease. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC, explores how whole exome sequencing and Quest Diagnostics genetic experts are transforming rare disease diagnosis by enabling e...

More than 80% of patients with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, explores the reasons for the diagnostic odyssey in celiac disease, from the disease’s wide range of symptoms to common pitfalls in testing. Celiac disease triggers a specific autoimmune response where the body attacks its own small intestines after gluten exposure, leading to mala...

More than 36 million Americans are living with type 2 diabetes, and an estimated 30%-50% of patients remain uncontrolled. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, explores an under-recognized contributor to difficult-to-control diabetes: hypercortisolism. Hypercortisolism disrupts glucose metabolism and insulin function, leading to elevated HbA1c that isn’t as responsive to traditional treatment. Prov...

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, and Human papilloma virus (HPV) causes nearly all cases. Laboratory screening can detect infection or abnormal cells early, so clinicians can intervene before cancer develops. Screening options include Pap testing, HPV testing, and co-testing, and guidelines recommendation different combinations of these tests based on age and cli...

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major healthcare crisis, impacting about 35 million people in the US. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Ines Dahne discuss end-stage kidney disease management in a nephrology setting, and how Quest Diagnostics is providing continuity of care for patients across primary care, nephrology, dialysis, hospitals, and transplant settings. This episode will Explain...

Approximately 55 million people have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, impacting nearly 7 million Americans. Blood-based biomarkers such as the beta amyloid 42/40 ratio and phosphorylated tau (p-tau217) are now providing earlier and more accessible insights into Alzheimer's pathology. These markers help differentiate Alzheimer's from other dementias, support e...

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) testing is a field that can transform how clinicians select and dose medications by accounting for individual genetic variability in drug metabolism, transport, and response. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, and Kathleen O’Brien, CGC, DABMG, discuss the clinical utility of PGx testing and how providers can integrate it into routine care. This episode will Describe pharma...

In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, Dr Maeson Latsko discusses the critical role of inflammation in cardiovascular events, focusing on the importance of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Cardiovascular events often stem from the rupture of soft plaque, which is fueled by inflammation. Hs-CRP can be used to gauge cardiovascular risk, a...

Metabolic dysfunction is a common root cause of many cardiometabolic conditions that burden the healthcare system. This episode will address insulin resistance, a syndrome that underlies metabolic dysfunction, and how tools can catch risk early, allowing actions that may prevent and reverse the onset of chronic illness. Today’s episode is with Quest Diagnostics experts Kenneth French, Senior Clini...

 The holidays are a time of celebration, but they can also be a challenging time to maintain heart-healthy habits. In today’s episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Patty Bianchi, MS, RDN discuss how disrupted routines, rich foods, and elevated stress can impact well-being. We discuss realistic, evidence-based ways to enjoy the holidays while supporting cardiometabolic health. This episode will Discuss c...

Most people recognize that acute inflammation occurs when a person experiences a viral illness. However, many people are unaware that this inflammatory response can increase risk for cardiometabolic events. In this episode, Dr Marc Penn and Maeson Latsko, PhD, discuss how viral infections such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 trigger inflammation, which can destabilize plaque, accelerate atherosclerosi...

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that remains underrecognized, especially in adults. Once thought of as a childhood condition, nearly half of new cases are now diagnosed in adulthood. T1D can lead to serious complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and eventually cardiometabolic disease. In today’s episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Franklin Warren discuss th...

In this special episode designed to give you Instant Insights, we explore how protein in the urine is a powerful marker for both kidney and cardiovascular health. We break down how albumin leaks into the urine when the kidney’s filtration barrier is damaged, review traditional cut points for albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), and discuss emerging evidence showing that even “normal” or low-level a...

One in three adults worldwide are affected by fatty liver disease, and most are unaware that they have it. Today’s conversation between Andrew Hunt and Maeson Latsko, PhD will dive into Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a new terminology that replaces NAFLD, emphasizing the close relationship with metabolic risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We focus on the...

This special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights discusses the importance of screening and managing fatty liver disease, a condition affecting 1 in 3 Americans and over 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes. The episode covers the transition from the term NAFLD to MASLD, discusses the AACE-recommended testing algorithm for MASLD using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and th...

Coronary calcium scores are highly utilized to spot hidden cardiovascular risk, and  new research suggests that timing is important. Today’s conversation between Maeson Latsko, PhD and Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC will break down how timing plays a role in proper assessment of calcium scoring, and how biomarker testing such as Apolipoprotein B, Myeloperoxidase, Lp-PLA2, and hs-CRP can be paired with...