Quest Diagnostics has introduced an AI-powered companion tool integrated into its patient portal and mobile app, designed to help individuals interpret their lab test results in plain language. The feature uses generative AI to explain complex lab values, highlight abnormal findings, provide context based on age/sex/reference ranges, suggest possible next steps, and flag when professional follow-up is recommended aiming to reduce confusion, improve health literacy, and encourage timely care-seeking without replacing physician consultation.
Glimpse:
Launched on January 28, 2026, the AI Companion is now live for Quest patients accessing results via the MyQuest app or portal. It delivers personalised, easy to read explanations (e.g., “Your HbA1c of 6.4% is above the normal range and may indicate prediabetes”), risk context, trend tracking over time, and direct links to schedule follow-up appointments or teleconsults with Quest affiliated providers. Early user feedback shows 70–85% of patients reporting greater confidence in understanding results and higher rates of follow-through on recommended actions.
Quest Diagnostics has taken a significant step toward patient empowerment by launching an AI Companion feature that translates dense lab reports into clear, actionable insights. The tool, rolled out on January 28, 2026, is available to millions of Quest patients through the MyQuest patient portal and mobile app, marking one of the largest consumer-facing AI deployments in the U.S. diagnostics sector.
When patients view their results, the AI Companion automatically generates a personalised summary that includes:
- Plain-language explanation of each test and result (e.g., “Your cholesterol level is moderately high, which can increase heart disease risk over time”)
- Comparison to age- and sex-specific reference ranges
- Trend analysis showing changes over previous tests
- Contextual risk information (e.g., “This level may suggest prediabetes; lifestyle changes can help”)
- Suggested next steps (diet/exercise tips, when to retest, or consult a doctor)
- Prominent disclaimers that the tool is not a diagnosis and professional medical advice is essential
The AI is built on secure, HIPAA-compliant large language models fine-tuned on Quest’s extensive de-identified lab data and clinical guidelines, ensuring accuracy and relevance while avoiding medical advice or definitive diagnoses. It flags high-risk or abnormal results with urgent language and one-tap options to message a Quest-affiliated clinician, schedule a follow-up lab draw, or book a virtual visit.
Early user testing and initial rollout data indicate strong adoption: 70–85% of patients engage with the AI summary, with significantly higher rates of follow-through on recommended actions (e.g., retesting, physician consultation) compared to traditional result delivery. Patients report feeling more informed and less anxious about results, while Quest anticipates reduced call centre volume for basic result inquiries.
Quest Diagnostics leadership stated: “Lab results can be confusing and overwhelming for most people. Our AI Companion bridges that gap—turning raw numbers into meaningful information that empowers patients to take the next right step in their health journey, while always directing them to consult their doctor for interpretation and care decisions.”
The feature is now available to all MyQuest users, with ongoing enhancements planned (including deeper integration with wearables, family health views, and multilingual support). It complements Quest’s existing consumer tools such as appointment scheduling, home collection, and direct to consumer testing.
“When patients truly understand their results, they’re more likely to act on them. The AI Companion makes complex lab data approachable and actionable helping close the gap between testing and better health.”
By
HB Team
Related News
