April 23 (Reuters) - Laboratory operator Quest

Diagnostics ( DGX ) raised its 2024 profit and revenue forecast

on Tuesday after beating first-quarter estimates on robust

demand for its diagnostic tests.

Demand for routine diagnostic health checkups has grown over

the past few quarters as more people undergo non-urgent

surgeries that were delayed due to the pandemic.

"Our investments within advanced diagnostics also enabled

double-digit growth within multiple key clinical areas,

including brain health, women's health and advanced

cardiometabolic health," said CEO Jim Davis.

The company updated its 2024 expected adjusted profit to be

between $8.72 per share and $8.97 per share compared to $8.60 to

$8.90 per share expected previously. Analysts estimate adjusted

profit to be $8.75 per share.

It also raised its 2024 revenue forecast to $9.40 billion to

$9.48 billion from its previous outlook of $9.35 billion to

$9.45 billion.

Quest, which offers a range of diagnostic tests, including

those for allergies, chronic diseases and cancer, said its

investments in AI and automation have helped it improve

productivity.

The company said its first-quarter revenue rose 1.5% to $2.37

billion, beating analysts' average estimate of $2.29 billion,

according to LSEG data.

This is the first time the Secaucus, New Jersey-based

company has grown its total revenues since the height of the

pandemic three years ago.

On an adjusted basis, the company posted a profit of $2.04

per share for the quarter ended March 31, above estimates of

$1.86 per share.