GRAIL and Quest Diagnostics have launched the initial phase of a new programme to improve access to the former’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test.
Healthcare providers can now order the Galleri test directly from GRAIL through the Quest Diagnostics connectivity system.
This system allows US-based providers to order tests and receive reports electronically via Diagnostics’ Quanum laboratory portal and over 900 electronic health record (EHR) systems.
The integration simplifies the process for physicians to order the Galleri test. It also enhances accessibility, allowing patients to undergo the test at any of Quest Diagnostics’ 7,400 patient access points nationwide.
Patients with a test order from their physician can now visit Quest Diagnostics directly, without needing to bring a Galleri test kit to their blood draw appointment.
The Galleri test is prescription-only and recommended for adults at higher cancer risk, such as those 50 and older, as an addition to standard cancer screenings.
Quest Diagnostics molecular genomics and oncology senior vice president Mark Gardner said: “Quest Diagnostics and GRAIL share a commitment to improving access to cancer screening and have worked productively together to enable patient access to GRAIL’s Galleri test via Quest’s phlebotomy network since 2021.
“Integrating GRAIL’s Galleri test into the Quest connectivity system is the next step in this collaboration.
“We expect it to increase patient access by giving Quest’s provider clients the ability to seamlessly order the test through Quest, same as they do for other blood work.”
GRAIL said that cancers release DNA fragments into the bloodstream, creating a unique ‘fingerprint’ of the disease.
The Galleri test detects these cancer signals with a simple blood draw, screening for many deadly cancers before symptoms appear, including those without recommended screening tests.
It also helps doctors pinpoint the cancer’s origin, indicating the tissue type or organ associated with the cancer signal.
In July last year, Grail started the REACH/Galleri-Medicare study to assess the clinical impact of the Galleri MCED test on the Medicare population.
GRAIL president Josh Ofman said: “While today there are recommended screenings for five cancers, nearly 70% of deaths are caused by cancers with no recommended screening test.
“We believe this integration will help to make it easier to incorporate the Galleri test into routine exams to help screen for cancer before it becomes symptomatic when outcomes may be improved.”
