Rates of infection by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus may have peaked in late October, but the pandemic flu virus continues to be a potential source of illness in all age groups, including the elderly, according to a new report by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services.
In its most recent Quest Diagnostics Health Trends(TM) Report "Testing for H1N1 in America," Quest Diagnostics analyzed results of more than 142,000 de-identified patient specimens tested for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in the U.S. between May 11, 2009, when the company introduced its first test for detecting the pandemic virus to physicians, and November 10, 2009. Quest Diagnostics is the only company in the U.S. that both performs 2009 H1N1 laboratory testing and, through its Focus Diagnostics business, provides two commercial 2009 H1N1 flu virus test kits authorized by the FDA for emergency use by complex molecular labs.
Key findings from the report: