In line with its effort to restore growth through fast-developing specialty testing, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH) recently launched informaSeq Prenatal Test – a non-invasive, next-generation prenatal screening assay. According to the company, the test will help diagnose the risk of various fetal chromosomal abnormalities with a single blood draw from the mother.

The informaSeq test has been offered through Integrated Genetics, a part of LabCorp Specialty Testing Group of laboratories. This group works on advanced esoteric and genomic testing and currently has the largest network of Board-certified genetic counselors in the U.S. who help physicians and patients in making more informed healthcare decisions.

The informaSeq test uses Illumina sequencing technology to generate test data, offering high detection rates (sensitivity) and low false positive rates (specificity), even in samples with a lower fraction of fetal DNA fragments. Apart from the informaSeq Prenatal Test, Integrated Genetics currently offers a comprehensive set of reproductive genetic screening and diagnostic options that is helpful in supporting pregnancy management protocols.

As part of its five-pillar strategy, LabCorp is currently working hard on new innovations with academic institutions in order to capture the growing lab testing market with its advanced assays and tools. Recently LabCorp entered into the substantial BRCA testing market which comprises a suite of tests for the assessment of breast cancer risk.

The company launched its BRCA next-generation sequencing assay which provides complete gene sequence analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2. These BRCA testing capabilities and services empower physicians and patients with tools to better predict breast cancer risk.

In addition, the company’s monogram center of excellence in infectious disease recently achieved two National Institutes of Health (:NIH) grants to study and develop new approaches for HIV detection. LabCorp currently offers an end-to-end program that includes compliance with insurance requirements, comprehensive testing and expert interpretation.

Earlier, the company had announced the availability of ImmunoCAP allergy testing products from Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO). With allergies affecting approximately 60 million individuals in the U.S. annually, the availability of Thermo Fisher’s test is expected to add value to LabCorp’s product line. Further, the company expanded its next-generation sequencing (NGS) test menu by launching its first multi-gene oncology panel primarily for solid tumors on the NGS platform.

LabCorp currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Other Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the broader medical sector can consider stocks like Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (EW) and Hologic Inc. (HOLX). Both stocks bear a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Read the Full Research Report on LH
Read the Full Research Report on TMO
Read the Full Research Report on HOLX
Read the Full Research Report on EW


Zacks Investment Research