Quest Launches AI to Explain Lab Results

The new tool, named Quest AI Companion, is integrated into the existing MyQuest patient portal and mobile app. It utilizes Google's Gemini family of AI models to analyze a patient's lab data from the past five years, identifying trends and patterns that could indicate health risks. This addresses a common issue where patients struggle to interpret numerical results and complex medical terminology on their own. A key feature is its operation within Quest's secure, HIPAA-compliant environment, which alleviates patient concerns about sharing private health data with public AI tools. A survey conducted by Quest revealed that while people are interested in understanding their lab data, they have significant reservations about the privacy, security, and reliability of public AI platforms. The AI Companion is designed for educational purposes and to help formulate questions for a healthcare provider, not to replace professional medical advice. This launch is part of a broader trend of using AI to enhance patient engagement and communication in healthcare. The goal is to empower patients to take a more active role in their health by providing them with clearer, more accessible information. Studies have shown that a lack of understanding of lab results can lead to patient anxiety and confusion. Quest's main competitor, Labcorp, is also leveraging AI, but with a different focus. In July 2025, Labcorp launched "Test Finder," an AI tool developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS) that assists healthcare providers in selecting the correct lab tests by describing conditions in plain language. Labcorp also utilizes AI-powered chatbots to answer patient inquiries and schedule appointments.