Quest Diagnostics reports data breach affecting patient records

Quest Diagnostics, a medical laboratory testing company, has confirmed an unauthorized access that may have exposed certain patient records, Fox 35 Orlando reported. The breach involved the company's Quantum Lab Services Manager system, which some clients use to place test orders and access results, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

The full scope of the breach is not yet clear, but Quest Diagnostics believes certain patient records were accessed. The company learned of the access on Wednesday and promptly began cybersecurity incident response procedures to contain the activity, assess the situation, investigate, and start remedying the issue, the SEC filing states.

Quest Diagnostics has notified federal law enforcement authorities and engaged external cybersecurity experts to assist with the investigation and response. Despite the breach, the company said its business operations have not been materially disrupted so far.

This is not the first time Quest Diagnostics has faced such incidents. The Associated Press reported that in 2016, a hack exposed lab results and contact information of about 34,000 people. In 2019, personal data of approximately 11.9 million Quest patients was affected after a separate hack involving a billing collections service.

The company continues its investigation and response efforts. Patients who have used Quest Diagnostics' services are advised to stay alert for any suspicious activity related to their personal information.

This story was reported from Orlando by Fox 35 Orlando, with information also from Reuters, the Associated Press, and the SEC filing.