<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000950117-06-003242
<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>333-136196
<FILM-NUMBER>06992178
</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>a42413.htm
<DESCRIPTION>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED E.S.P.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 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY size=1><BR>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="100%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=5>FORM S-8</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=3>REGISTRATION
  STATEMENT</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=3>under</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=3>THE
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

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

<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="26%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>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 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other
  jurisdiction of</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</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>incorporation or
  organization)</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>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 ALIGN=CENTER><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 ALIGN=CENTER><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 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>(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 NOSHADE WIDTH=120 COLOR=GRAY size=1>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>QUEST DIAGNOSTICS
INCORPORATED <BR>
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN<BR>
(Full Title of the Plan)<BR><BR></FONT></P>

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

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="59%" 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>
</TABLE>

<div ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address,
and telephone number of agent for service)</FONT></div>

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

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>CALCULATION OF
REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></P>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="19%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD COLSPAN="10" VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK 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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=BOTTOM>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of <BR>
  registration<BR>
  fee</B></FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD COLSPAN="10" VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=CENTER>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, par value $0.01, to be issued for
  shares purchased under the Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<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 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<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 ALIGN=CENTER><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>Plan</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP nowrap>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>5,000,000 shares (1)</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$59.42 (2)</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$297,100,000</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=2>$31,789.70</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</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>(1)</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act
        of 1933, as amended, this registration statement covers an indeterminate
        amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the benefit plans
        described herein.</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=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>
<BR>

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

<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="4%" 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 of common stock.</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 Amended and
  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 of 1933
  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 indemnify such persons
against such expense or liability under the DGCL. The Registrant intends to
maintain</FONT></P>

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

<P><FONT SIZE=2>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 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 COLSPAN="3" VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</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>
<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 colspan=3>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales
  are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:</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>
<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 width="4%" VALIGN=TOP>
      <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
    <TD width="3%" 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 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=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 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=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 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=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 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="3" 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 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="3" 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>
</TABLE>

<P style='text-indent:6%'><FONT
SIZE=2>(b) 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>

<P style='text-indent:6%'><FONT
SIZE=2>(c)
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 expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim for indemnification against</FONT></P>

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

<P><FONT SIZE=2>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="40%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="59%" 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>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>(Registrant)</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<BR>

<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER  BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 WIDTH="100%">
<TR style="font-size:1px">
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" 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>By: </FONT></P>
</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><font size="2">/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="75%" NOSHADE 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="24%" VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="22%" VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="52%" VALIGN=TOP> <P>&nbsp;</P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature </B></FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1><B>Capacity</B></FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="28%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="15%" NOSHADE COLOR=BLACK ALIGN=LEFT> </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Surya N. Mohapatra</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&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>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Robert A. Hagemann</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=2>(principal financial officer)</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Thomas F. Bongiorno</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&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>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ John C. Baldwin</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Jenne K. Britell</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ William F. Buehler</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ William R. Grant</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Gary M. Pfeiffer</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Daniel C. Stanzione</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Gail R. Wilensky</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ John B. Ziegler</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> <HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=CENTER> </TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD VALIGN=TOP> <P><FONT SIZE=1>&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="11%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="76%" 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=TOP>
<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=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=black ALIGN=CENTER>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="30%" NOSHADE COLOR=black 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=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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=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>4.2</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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=2>.</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>4.3</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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=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>4.4</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the
  Registrant&#146;s Proxy Statement dated March 28, 2006 filed on March 30, 2006).</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=2>5*</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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=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>23.1*</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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=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>23.2</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<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>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Filed
herewith.</FONT></P>

<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 5,000,000 additional shares of the Registrant&#146;s
  Common Stock, $.01 par value, which may be issued by the Registrant pursuant
  to the Amended and Restated Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Employee Stock Purchase
  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 will be 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="63%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="36%" 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;</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="25%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="74%" VALIGN=TOP>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP nowrap>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH="100%" NOSHADE COLOR=gray ALIGN=LEFT>
</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>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Florham Park, New Jersey </FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>July 31, 2006</FONT></P>
</TD>
<TD VALIGN=TOP>
<P><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></P>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<HR COLOR=#000000 NOSHADE>

</BODY>

</HTML>

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