Guardant Health Expands Shield CRC Test Access via Quest Diagnostics Network
Event summary
- Guardant Health's Shield blood-based CRC screening test now available through Quest Diagnostics' national network of 650,000 clinician accounts and 2,000 patient service centers.
- Shield is the first and only FDA-approved blood test for primary CRC screening in average-risk adults aged 45+.
- Test completion rate at 93% in first 100,000 orders, significantly higher than traditional screening methods.
- Shield covered by Medicare, VA Community Care Network, TRICARE, and commercially available nationwide.
The big picture
This partnership represents a significant expansion in access for Guardant Health's innovative CRC screening technology, addressing a major market need for more convenient screening options. With over 54 million Americans not completing recommended screenings, the combination of Shield's non-invasive approach and Quest's extensive diagnostic infrastructure could transform screening compliance rates. The inclusion in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines further validates the test's clinical utility and positions it for broader adoption.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly primary care physicians will integrate Shield into routine screening practices through Quest's network.
- Reimbursement Dynamics
- Whether commercial payer coverage will expand beyond current government program coverage.
- Competitive Response
- How traditional screening providers will react to this blood-based alternative gaining mainstream access.
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