Grail Inc. ( GRAL ) shares are trading higher Wednesday after the company announced a new collaboration with Quest Diagnostics ( DGX ) .

The partnership aims to improve provider access to its Galleri multi-cancer early detection test.

What To Know: The move is expected to streamline test ordering and expand availability across Quest's nationwide network, but investor reaction suggests concerns about the immediate impact on GRAIL's business.

GRAIL and Quest Diagnostics ( DGX ) revealed the initial phase of their partnership, which allows physicians to order the Galleri test directly through Quest's connectivity system. This integration will enable over 500,000 providers to seamlessly request the test, just as they do with other blood work, through Quest's Quanum laboratory portal and more than 900 electronic health record systems. Patients can also access the test at any of Quest's 7,400 locations without needing to bring a test kit to their blood draw appointment.

Grail president Josh Ofman emphasized the significance of this expansion, noting that early detection is critical for improving cancer outcomes.

He pointed out that while there are established screenings for only five cancers, nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths come from those without recommended screening tests. By integrating the Galleri test into routine exams, GRAIL and Quest aim to address this gap and make early detection more accessible.

Quest Senior Vice President Mark Gardner highlighted that the collaboration builds on their ongoing efforts since 2021 to expand access to the test. He stated that the new ordering process should simplify adoption among healthcare providers, making it easier to incorporate Galleri into standard cancer screening protocols.

The Galleri test detects cancer signals in the bloodstream by identifying DNA fragments shed by tumors, offering a non-invasive way to screen for multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear. The test is prescription-only and recommended for adults at elevated cancer risk, such as those over 50.

Price Action: Grail shares were up 17.6% at $38.63 at the time of writing, according to Benzinga Pro.

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