Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics

Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics aims to prompt action from insight as we keep you up to date on current clinical and diagnostic topics to transform lives and illuminate a path to better health.

Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics is a health podcast hosted by Quest Diagnostics, with 43 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Quest Diagnostics hosts Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics, a health show with 43 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #44

  43 - Empowering patients through HPV self-collection (22 min)

  Aug 3, 202623 min

  Despite cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, significant gaps in screening still leave many people vulnerable. But what if the screening process could be brought directly to the patient on their own terms? In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the ongoing evolution of cervical cancer screening with Quest Diagnostics experts Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB), a Senior Scientific Director in Infectious Disease, and Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA, the Senior Medical Director for Advanced Diagnostics in Women's Health. They explore the science behind HPV DNA and mRNA testing, the clinical considerations for different screening algorithms, and the revolutionary potential of patient self-collection to improve health equity and save lives. This episode will Trace the evolution of cervical cancer screening from the Pap smear to modern molecular testing and self-collection, and recognize its potential to improve access to care (3:00) Differentiate between HPV DNA and mRNA testing methodologies and analyze the clinical benefits and considerations for primary screening vs co-testing algorithms (5:00) Explore how HPV self-collection can break down barriers to care for underserved populations and improve health equity (11:00) Recognize the critical importance of ensuring appropriate patient follow-up to complete the care continuum after a positive self-collected test (16:40) Speakers: Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA; Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributors: Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA Ordering information HPV Self-Collection HPV DNA (16, 18, Other High Risk), PCR, Vaginal Self-Collected | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Instant insights: HPV testing for cervical cancer screening| Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics Bringing cervical cancer screening closer to patients | Quest Diagnostics Reference List Screening for Cervical Cancer. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2026;148(1):e63-e67. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000006257

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #43

  42 - Primary aldosteronism insights from a nephrologist (18 min)

  Jul 27, 202618 min

  Up to 30% of hypertensive patients in specialty care settings may have underlying Primary Aldosteronism (PA), yet a massive diagnostic gap still exists in screening for PA. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, and Jeffrey Hymes, MD, discuss the critical intersection of resistant hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and PA. They shed light on the direct, blood-pressure-independent toxicity of excess aldosterone on the kidneys and unpack the latest clinical guidelines from the AHA/ACC and Endocrine Society. They also review a guideline-based algorithm designed to streamline screening and follow-up for PA evaluation. This episode will Explore the bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension, recognizing Primary Aldosteronism (PA) as a highly prevalent underlying cause (4:25) Detail the direct toxicities of excess aldosterone, independent of systemic blood pressure (8:50) Review updated clinical guidelines and a practical diagnostic algorithm to screen, triage, and manage PA patients (12:45) Ordering information Kidney Profile Kidney Profile with reflex to eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) Kidney Profile with eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) eGFR (Creatinine-Cystatin C) Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Interpretation of Plasma Renin Activity With Reflex to Aldosterone Test (test code 13817) | Algorithm | Quest Diagnostics Primary aldosteronism algorithm brochure Quest Diagnostics nephrology brochure Primary aldosterone landing page Hypertension insights landing page Reference List Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2025 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;85(4):e123-e145. Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4061 Adler GK, Stowasser M, Correa RR, et al. Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025;110(9):2453-2495. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaf284 Brown JM, Siddiqui M, Calhoun DA, et al. The unrecognized prevalence of primary aldosteronism: a cross-sectional study. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173(1):10-20. doi:10.7326/M20-0065

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #41

  40 - Unlocking answers faster with whole exome sequencing (17 min)

  Jun 29, 202617 min

  Whole exome sequencing (WES) is transforming the way genetic testing has moved from a research tool to an increasingly important first-line diagnostic test for many patients. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC and Steve Keiles, MS, CGC discuss how advances in WES, growing insurance coverage, and expanding clinical applications are helping patients get answers faster while improving targeted treatment and care. This episode will Review current trends and guidelines driving increased adoption of whole exome sequencing in clinical practice (3:20) Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of whole exome sequencing including the important components of the test (4:55) Explain how the clinical interpretation of WES may change over time upon reevaluation as new patient information becomes available (8:15) Evaluate how genetic expertise can support clinicians throughout the testing and interpretation process (13:30) Date: June 2026 Speaker(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Steve Keiles, MS, CGC Contributor(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Steve Keiles, MS, CGC; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Meenakshi Mahey Kumar, MS, CGC; Whitney Dodge, MS, CGC; Emily Partack, MS, CGC Additional resources: Test information: https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/genetics/exome Blog: https://www.questdiagnostics.com/our-company/actions-insights/2026-blogs/considering-mitochondrial-genomes-in-whole-exome-testing Ordering information: Whole Exome | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics Whole Exome Family Trio | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics Whole Exome Family Duo | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics References: Reinholdt L, Chesler E, Pera M, Rosenthal N. The rare-to-common disease journey: a winding road to new therapies. Trends Genet. 2025;41(9):762-773. doi:10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.003 Manickam K, McClain MR, Demmer LA, et al. Exome and genome sequencing for pediatric patients with congenital anomalies or intellectual disability: an evidence-based clinical guideline of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med. 2021;23(11):2029-2037. doi:10.1038/s41436-021-01242-6 Smith L, Malinowski J, Ceulemans S, et al. Genetic testing and counseling for the unexplained epilepsies: an evidence-based practice guideline of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. J Genet Couns. 2023;32(2):266-280. doi:10.1002/jgc4.1646 Rodan LH, Stoler J, Chen E, Geleske T; Council on Genetics. Genetic evaluation of the child with intellectual disability or global developmental delay: clinical report. Pediatrics. 2025;156(1):e2025072219. doi:10.1542/peds.2025-072219 LJ, Minoche AE, Schofield D, et al. Whole exome and genome sequencing in mendelian disorders: a diagnostic and health economic analysis. Eur J Hum Genet. 2022;30(10):1121-1131. doi:10.1038/s41431-022-01162-2 van de Kamp JM, Betsalel OT, Mercimek-Mahmutoglu S, et al. Phenotype and genotype in 101 males with X-linked creatine transporter deficiency. J Med Genet. 2013;50(7):463-472. doi:10.1136/jmedgenet-2013-101658 Dunbar M, Jaggumantri S, Sargent M, Stockler-Ipsiroglu S, van Karnebeek CD. Treatment of X-linked creatine transporter (SLC6A8) deficiency: systematic review of the literature and three new cases. Mol Genet Metab. 2014;112(4):259-274. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.05.011

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #40

  39 - Instant insights: How to screen for primary aldosteronism (updated guidelines) (9 min)

  Jun 8, 20269 min

  In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and avoid increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with untreated PA. This episode will Explain the mechanisms underlying PA and how they disrupt the normal renin-aldosterone feedback system (1:50) Highlight the limitations of historic methodology, and describe updated guidance on PA evaluation (3:10) Walk through an example comparing the ARR with the suppressed renin approach for assessing PA (5:50) Explain the cardiometabolic consequences of untreated PA and the importance of proactive screening, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (6:50) The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions. Date: 6/2025 Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Akhil Singh; Smruti Sheth, Marco Marcelli, MD Additional Resources: https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism Ordering information: Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics References: Adler GK, Stowasser M, Correa RR, et al. Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025;110(9):2453-2495. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaf284 Writing Committee Members*, Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;82(10):e212-e316. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000249 Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884 Dogra P, Bancos I, Young WF Jr. Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(8):1207-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.04.023

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #39

  38 - Instant insights: Using ANAlyzeR to navigate systemic autoimmune disease (6 min)

  May 26, 20266 minS0

  <p>Millions of people with systemic autoimmune diseases face a long and frustrating journey to diagnosis, often lasting years. In this episode, Dr Maeson Latsko explores how to expand on the standard antinuclear antibody (ANA) test for autoimmune disease. While the ANA test is a critical starting point, a negative result doesn't rule out disease, and a positive result is not a definitive diagnosis. The ANAlyzeR™ panel is a comprehensive test that evaluates 25 autoimmune markers from a single blood draw. This approach provides a full-picture view from the outset, helping clinicians differentiate between 8 common autoimmune conditions, reduce diagnostic uncertainty, and ge...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.