When it comes to clinical DNA testing in the United States, two names dominate the landscape: Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Both companies process millions of genetic samples every year and partner with hospitals, physicians, and research institutions across the country. However, many people don’t realize how different these two giants truly are—especially when it comes to DNA testing services.
In 2025, DNA testing has evolved far beyond simple ancestry kits. Today’s consumers are looking for paternity tests, hereditary cancer screening, carrier tests, whole genome sequencing, and pharmacogenomic testing. Because accuracy and reliability are critical, choosing the right lab can directly impact medical decisions, family matters, or legal cases.
This article provides the most comprehensive comparison between Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp for DNA testing in 2025—covering price, accuracy, technology, test options, specimen handling, regulations, and turnaround times. By the end, you’ll know exactly which provider is the better choice for your needs.
1. Overview of Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp
Quest Diagnostics
Quest is one of the largest diagnostic laboratories in the U.S., with more than 2,250 patient service centers nationwide. Quest is known for its strong clinical DNA portfolio, including hereditary cancer screening (BRCA), pharmacogenomics, and prenatal DNA testing.
Key strengths:
- Widely used by hospitals and doctors
- Strong genetic testing division
- High investment in next-generation sequencing (NGS)
- Reliable turnaround time for clinical DNA tests
Labcorp
Labcorp is equally massive, serving hospitals, universities, and clinical research partners. Labcorp offers a powerful lineup of DNA testing options including paternity (legal and non-legal), whole genome sequencing, and cancer predisposition testing.
Key strengths:
- Extremely large DNA testing infrastructure
- Popular choice for legal and chain-of-custody tests
- Leading provider for employer and forensic DNA testing
- Faster TAT (turnaround time) for some panels
2. Types of DNA Tests Offered
Both companies offer a broad range of DNA tests, but their strengths are slightly different.
Quest Diagnostics DNA Services
- Inherited Cancer Tests (BRCA1/BRCA2, Lynch, Panels)
- Carrier Screening for Couples
- Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
- Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
- Legal Paternity Testing
- Hereditary Cardiac Disorders
- Whole Genome Sequencing (limited availability)
Quest is particularly strong in medical genetic diagnosis, especially for cancer and prenatal screening.
Labcorp DNA Services
- Legal and Non-Legal Paternity Tests
- Relationship Testing (sibling, grandparent, avuncular)
- Forensic DNA Testing
- Whole Genome and Whole Exome Sequencing
- Pharmacogenomic Testing
- Cancer Genetic Tests
- Lifestyle and Health DNA Panels
Labcorp is considered the market leader in paternity and relationship DNA testing, processing thousands of cases monthly.
3. Accuracy and Technology
Accuracy is the most important factor for anyone choosing a DNA testing service. Both Quest and Labcorp use accredited, CLIA-certified, and CAP-accredited labs, meaning they meet the highest standards in the U.S.
Quest Diagnostics Accuracy
- Uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for hereditary disorders
- Offers high-depth sequencing for sensitive mutation detection
- Known for low false-positive rates in clinical panels
Labcorp Accuracy
- High reliability for paternity and forensic testing
- Uses STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis for legal cases
- NGS available in selected centers
Who wins accuracy?
Tie — Both labs provide medically reliable, FDA-regulated results.
However:
- Quest wins for clinical DNA accuracy (cancer, PGx, prenatal).
- Labcorp wins for paternity accuracy (industry-leading forensic DNA team).
4. Turnaround Time (TAT)
Patients often need DNA results quickly, especially for legal, prenatal, or medical purposes.
Quest Turnaround Time
- Paternity: 3–5 days
- Carrier screening: 7–14 days
- Hereditary cancer panels: 10–21 days
- PGx: 3–7 days
- NIPS prenatal DNA: 7–10 days
Labcorp Turnaround Time
- Paternity: 2–4 days (faster than Quest)
- Relationship testing: 5–7 days
- Cancer gene panels: 10–20 days
- PGx: 3–5 days
- Whole genome sequencing: 2–3 weeks
Who wins TAT?
Labcorp – generally faster for paternity and forensic DNA.
Quest – similar speed for clinical tests but usually not faster than Labcorp.
5. Pricing Comparison (2025)
Prices vary by region, insurance, and physician requirements.
Here’s the typical cost for self-pay customers:
Paternity Tests
| Test Type | Quest | Labcorp |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Legal Paternity | ~$210 | ~$210 |
| Legal Paternity | ~$350 | ~$350 |
| At-Home Kits | Not common | $199–$250 |
Labcorp has more DIY at-home options.
Ancestry & Lifestyle DNA
Quest does not offer ancestry kits.
Labcorp only offers limited ancestry services.
If customers want ancestry DNA, companies like 23andMe or AncestryDNA are preferred.
Medical DNA Panels
| DNA Test | Quest | Labcorp |
|---|---|---|
| BRCA1/BRCA2 | $350–$550 | $300–$500 |
| Cancer Panel (20–40 genes) | $600–$1200 | $600–$1100 |
| Carrier Screening | $250–$600 | $250–$550 |
| PGx Test | $120–$280 | $100–$250 |
Quest and Labcorp pricing is nearly identical, but Labcorp is slightly cheaper in most markets.
6. Insurance Coverage
Both labs accept:
- Medicare
- Medicaid (in many states)
- BlueCross
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Thousands of employer plans
However:
Quest Diagnostics
Has more hospital partnerships → better insurance integration for DNA cancer tests.
Labcorp
Covers more relationship and court-ordered DNA under agency contracts.
Winner?
Quest – for medical DNA (cancer, prenatal, PGx).
Labcorp – for legal DNA cases.
7. Ease of Access & Sample Collection
Quest
- 2,200+ service centers
- Online booking
- Typically shorter wait times
- Better experience for clinical testing (nurses, phlebotomists)
Labcorp
- More than 2,000 patient centers
- Walk-ins allowed
- Offers mobile DNA collection for legal cases
- Strong infrastructure for chain-of-custody testing
Quest is better for clinical workflows, Labcorp is ideal for legal DNA.
8. Strengths and Weaknesses
Quest Strengths
- Strong clinical DNA testing
- Advanced NGS technology
- Good for cancer risks, prenatal DNA, and PGx
- Better insurance network
- High sample processing accuracy
Quest Weaknesses
- Not the best for paternity testing
- Minimal at-home DNA options
Labcorp Strengths
- Best in the U.S. for paternity and relationship DNA
- Faster turnaround times
- More forensic and chain-of-custody experience
- Better for at-home DNA kits
Labcorp Weaknesses
- Less focus on high-depth clinical sequencing
- Less integration with hospitals for genetic counseling
9. Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
✔ Choose Quest Diagnostics if:
- You need medical genetic testing
- You are testing for cancer risk
- You want prenatal DNA screening
- You prefer hospital partnerships
- Insurance coverage is important
✔ Choose Labcorp if:
- You need a legal or immigration paternity test
- You prefer faster results
- You want at-home kits
- You need relationship DNA testing
- You want forensic-level accuracy
Both Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are leaders in DNA testing, but their strengths differ. Quest excels in clinical DNA and advanced sequencing, while Labcorp remains the top choice for paternity and relationship DNA testing. The best choice depends on whether you’re seeking medical insights, legal documentation, or rapid results.
This detailed comparison ensures that in 2025, you can confidently choose the right provider for your DNA testing needs—whether it’s for health, family, or peace of mind.