<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000950117-06-003241
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<FILING-DATE>20060801
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20060731
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20060801
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC
<CIK>0001022079
<ASSIGNED-SIC>8071
<IRS-NUMBER>161387862
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-136195
<FILM-NUMBER>06992175
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>ONE MALCOLM AVE
<CITY>TETERBORO
<STATE>NJ
<ZIP>07608
<PHONE>2013935000
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>ONE MALCOLM AVE
<CITY>TETERBORO
<STATE>NJ
<ZIP>07601
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>CORNING CLINICAL LABORATORIES INC
<DATE-CHANGED>19960903
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a42414.htm
<DESCRIPTION>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED L.T.I.P.
<TEXT>
<HTML>

<HEAD><TITLE></TITLE></HEAD>
<BODY>
<HR WIDTH="100%" SIZE="4" noshade style="margin-top: -5px">
<HR WIDTH="100%" SIZE="1" noshade style="margin-top: -10px">


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=4>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
</FONT><FONT SIZE=3>Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></P>

<P><HR size=1 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=5>FORM S-8<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3>REGISTRATION
STATEMENT<BR>
under<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</FONT></FONT></P>

<P><HR size=1 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=6>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED</font><BR>
<FONT  SIZE=2>(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>16-1387862</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
  incorporation or organization)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
  Identification No.)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>1290 Wall Street West</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Lyndhurst, New Jersey</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>07071</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Address)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(Zip Code)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<P><HR size=1 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=2>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS
INCORPORATED<BR>
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN<BR>
(FORMERLY, THE 1999 EMPLOYEE EQUITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM)<BR>
(Full Title of the Plan)</FONT></P>

<P><HR size=1 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:8pt">
  <TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="60%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Leo C. Farrenkopf, Jr.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Vice President &amp; Assistant Secretary</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Quest Diagnostics Incorporated</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>1290 Wall Street West</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Lyndhurst, NJ 07071</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>201 - 729 - 8330</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address, and
  telephone number of agent for service)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<P><HR size=1 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY>
<BR>
<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="19%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="22%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  COLSPAN="5" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>CALCULATION OF
  REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  COLSPAN="5" VALIGN=TOP>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE ALIGN=CENTER>

  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of
  Securities<BR>
  being registered</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount being<BR>
  registered</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
  offering price<BR>
  per share</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum<BR>
  aggregate<BR>
  offering price (2)</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
  registration<BR>
  fee</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  COLSPAN="5" VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=CENTER>

  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock,<BR>
  par value $0.01<BR>
  to be issued for awards<BR>
  under the Amended and<BR>
  Restated Employee Long-<BR>
  Term Incentive Plan</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>12,000,000 shares (1)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$59.42 (2)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$713,040,000</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$76,295.28</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  COLSPAN="5" VALIGN=TOP>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>

  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="95%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act
        of 1933, this registration statement covers an indeterminate amount of
        interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the benefit plan described
        herein. Reflects 6,000,000 shares approved by shareholders at the Registrant's
        May 10, 2005 annual meeting of shareholders adjusted for the Registrant's
        2-for-1 stock split effected on June 30, 2005.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="95%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the
  registration fee, calculated on the average of high and low sales price of
  Registrant&#146;s common stock on July 28, 2006.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=2><B>PART
I</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=2><B>INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS*</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 1. Plan Information.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 2.
Registrant Information and Employee Plan Information. </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>* Information required by Part I to be contained in the Section
  10(a) prospectus is omitted from this Registration Statement in accordance with
  Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
  Act&#148;) and the &#147;Note&#148; to Part I of Form S-8. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=2><B>PART
II</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following documents which have been filed by the Registrant with the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the &#147;<U>Exchange Act</U>&#148;), are incorporated as of their respective
dates in this Registration Statement and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
  fiscal year ended December 31, 2005; and </FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(ii)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>the description of the Registrant&#146;s common stock
  contained in its Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No.1-12215) filed by
  the Registrant and declared effective on November 26, 1996.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, after December 31, 2005 and prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been
sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, are deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement
to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Registration Statement.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not
applicable.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leo
C. Farrenkopf, Jr., Esq., Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the
Registrant, has rendered an opinion as to the legality of the issuance of
additional Shares offered pursuant to this Registration Statement. Mr.
Farrenkopf owns substantially less than 1% of the Registrant&#146;s Shares.</FONT></P>

<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limitation
on Liability of Directors</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to authority conferred by Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (&#147;<U>DGCL</U>&#148;)
Paragraph 11 of the Registrant&#146;s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (&#147;<U>Paragraph
11</U>&#148;) eliminates the personal liability of Registrant&#146;s directors to the
Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty including, without limitation, directors serving on committees of the
Registrant&#146;s Board of Directors. Directors remain liable for (1) any breach of
the duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders, (2) any act or
omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (3) any violation of Section 174 of the DGCL, which
proscribes the payment of dividends and stock purchases or redemption under
certain circumstances, and (4) any transaction from which directors derive an
improper personal benefit.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification
and Insurance</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
accordance with Section 145 of the DGCL, which provides for the indemnification
of directors, officers and employees under certain circumstances, Paragraph 11
grants the Registrant&#146;s directors and officers a right to indemnification for
all expenses, liabilities and losses relating to civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative proceedings to which they are a party (1) by
reason of the fact that they are or were directors or officers of the
Registrant, or (2) by reason of the fact that, while they are or were directors
or officers of the Registrant, they are serving at the request of the
Registrant as directors or officers of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or enterprise. Paragraph 11 further provides for the mandatory
advancement of expenses incurred by officers and directors in defending such
proceedings in advance of their final disposition upon delivery to the
Registrant by the Indemnitee of an undertaking to repay all amounts so advanced
if it is ultimately determined that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be
indemnified under Paragraph 11. The Registrant may not indemnify or make
advance payments to any person in connection with proceedings initiated against
the Registrant by such person without authorization of the Registrant&#146;s Board
of Directors.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, Paragraph 11 provides that the directors and officers therein
described shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145
of the DGCL, or any successor provisions or amendments thereunder. In the event
that any such successor provisions or amendments provide indemnification rights
broader than permitted prior thereto, Paragraph 11 allows such broader
indemnification rights to apply retroactive with respect to any predating
alleged action or inaction and also allows the indemnification to continue
after an Indemnitee has ceased to be a director or officer of the Registrant
and to inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee&#146;s heirs, executors and
administrators.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paragraph
11 further provides that the right to indemnification is not exclusive of any
right which any Indemnitee may have or thereafter acquire under any statute,
the Registrant&#146;s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, any agreement or vote
of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, and allows the
Registrant to indemnify and advance expenses to any person whom the Registrant
has the power to indemnify under the DGCL or otherwise.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
  as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted
  for directors and officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing
  provisions, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission
  such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
  Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant&#146;s Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Registrant to
purchase insurance for directors and officers of the Registrant and persons who
serve at the request of the Registrant as directors, officers, employees or
agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or
enterprise, against any expense, liability or loss incurred in such capacity,
whether or not the Registrant would have the power to</FONT></P>

<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>indemnify such persons against such expense or
liability under the DGCL. The Registrant intends to maintain insurance coverage
of its officers and directors as well as insurance coverage to reimburse the
Registrant for potential costs of its corporate indemnification of directors
and officers.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not
applicable.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits.</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See
Exhibit Index.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings.</B></FONT></P>

<TABLE WIDTH="100%"  BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
  <TR style="font-size:1px">
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2" VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD width="6%"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN="4"> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned
        Registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD width="4%" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD width="1%" VALIGN=TOP><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP><FONT SIZE=2> &nbsp;To file, during any period
      in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
      Registration Statement:</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="4" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD width="4%" colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>to include any prospectus required by Section
        10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(ii)</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>to reflect in the prospectus any facts or
        events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement
        (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
        or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
        set forth in this Registration Statement; and</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(iii)</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>to include any material information with
        respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
        Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration
        Statement;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;provided</I>,
        <I>however</I>, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and
        (1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included
        in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports
        filed by with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant
        to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated
        by reference in this Registration Statement.</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="4" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)
        That, for the purpose of determining any liabilities under the Securities
        Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
        statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
        of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona
        fide </I>offering thereof; and</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="4" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  COLSPAN="4" VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)
        To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
        of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
        of the offering.</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD colspan="5"  VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD colspan="5"  VALIGN=TOP> <P style='text-indent:6%'><FONT
SIZE=2>(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
        of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
        the Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section
        15(d) of the Exchange Act (and where applicable, each filing of an employee
        benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange
        Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
        shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
        offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
        be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof.</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD colspan="5"  VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD colspan="5"  VALIGN=TOP><P style='text-indent:6%'><FONT
SIZE=2>(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
        the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
        persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
        the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Commission,
        such indemnification is against public policy as</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT></P>

<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant,
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe it meets all the requirements for filing Form S-8
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Lyndhurst, State of
New Jersey, as of the 28th day of July, 2006.</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="52%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Quest Diagnostics Incorporated</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>(Registrant)</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></P>
  </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Surya N. Mohapatra</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="80%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=LEFT>

  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board,</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief
  Executive Officer</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated as of the 28th day of July, 2006.</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style="font-size:1px">
    <TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN=TOP> <P><font size="2"></font></P></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN=TOP> <P><font size="2"></font></P></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN=TOP> <P><font size="2"></font></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Signature</B></FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Capacity</B></FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="40%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT> </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="20%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT> </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Surya N. Mohapatra</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
        Executive</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D.</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Officer and Director (principal executive
        officer)</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Robert A. Hagemann</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
        Officer</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Robert A. Hagemann</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(principal financial officer)</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Thomas F. Bongiorno</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Vice President, Corporate Controller and</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Thomas F. Bongiorno</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting
        officer)</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ John C. Baldwin</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>John C. Baldwin, M.D.</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Jenne K. Britell</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Jenne K. Britell, Ph.D.</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ William F. Buehler</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>William F. Buehler</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ William R. Grant</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>William R. Grant</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Rosanne Haggerty</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Gary M. Pfeiffer</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Gary M. Pfeiffer</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Daniel C. Stanzione</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Daniel C. Stanzione, Ph.D.</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ Gail R. Wilensky</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Gail R. Wilensky</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;/s/ John B. Ziegler</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=GRAY ALIGN=CENTER>
    </TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Director</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>John B. Ziegler</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD  VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE><P STYLE='PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: ALWAYS'></P><PAGE>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT  SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT
INDEX</B></FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="68%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
  Number</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="80%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="30%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</td>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
  Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant&#146;s
  Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2001).</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>4.2</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
  Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
  the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
  2006).</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>4.3</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant
  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant&#146;s 2000 Annual
  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>4.4</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive
  Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant&#146;s Proxy
  Statement dated March 31, 2005 filed on March 31, 2005).</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>5*</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion of Leo C. Farrenkopf, Jr., Vice President
  and Assistant General Counsel of Registrant, as to the legality of the
  securities registered hereby.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>23.1*</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
  Firm.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=BOTTOM>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Leo C. Farrenkopf, Jr., Vice President
  and Assistant General Counsel of Registrant (included in Exhibit 5).</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
 <TR style="font-size:1px">
  <TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="95%" VALIGN=TOP>
  <P>&nbsp;</P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
 <TR>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></P>
  </TD>
  <TD  VALIGN=TOP>
  <P><FONT SIZE=2>Filed herewith.</FONT></P>
  </TD>
 </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE>



</BODY>

</HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>ex5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5
<TEXT>
<HTML>

<HEAD><TITLE></TITLE></HEAD>
<BODY>

<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=2><U>Exhibit 5</U></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>[QUEST DIAGNOSTICS LETTERHEAD]</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>July 28, 2006</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>The Board of Directors<BR>
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated<BR>
1290 Wall Street West<BR>
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Dear Sirs:</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I
am a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (the &#147;Registrant&#148;) and am familiar with the preparation and filing
of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the registration of 12,000,000 additional shares of
the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock, $.01 par value, which may be issued by the
Registrant pursuant to its Amended and Restated Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;).</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
this connection, I have examined the originals, or copies certified to my
satisfaction, of such corporate records of the Registrant, certificates of
public officials and officers of the Registrant, and other documents as I
deemed pertinent as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based
upon the foregoing, and having regard for such legal consideration as I have
deemed relevant, I am of the opinion that:</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="90%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>1.</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>The
  Registrant is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the
  laws of the State of Delaware.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>2.</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>The shares of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock to be sold by
        the Registrant pursuant to the Plan have been duly authorized, and when
        sold, issued and paid for as contemplated by the Plan, the shares of common
        stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>3.</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>The Plan is
  not a qualified plan under Section 401 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
  1986, as amended, and is not subject to the provisions of the Employee
  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD COLSPAN="2" VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>I consent to
  the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement
  referred to above.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Very truly
  yours.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2><u>/s/ Leo C.
  Farrenkopf, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u></FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Leo C.
  Farrenkopf, Jr.</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>
<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE>


</body>
</html>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>ex23-1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
<HTML>

<HEAD><TITLE></TITLE></HEAD>
<BODY>

<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=2><U>Exhibit 23.1</U></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2><B>CONSENT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>We hereby
consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of our report dated February 28, 2006 relating to the consolidated
financial statements, financial statement schedule, management&#146;s assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, of Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated, which appears in Quest Diagnostics Incorporated&#146;s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. </FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="97%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP colspan=2>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE ALIGN=CENTER>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="24%" NOSHADE ALIGN=LEFT>
</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP colspan=2>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP<BR>
Florham Park, New Jersey<BR>
July 31, 2006</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</table>

<BR>

<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE>

</BODY>

</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SUBMISSION>
