July 23 (Reuters) - Quest Diagnostics ( DGX ) raised its

2024 profit and revenue forecasts on Tuesday, banking on robust

demand for its health tests.

Demand for diagnostic tests has grown in recent quarters as

more people, especially older adults, caught up on surgeries

deferred during the pandemic.

"This performance is due to growth of new physician and

hospital customers, more favorable test mix that includes

greater adoption of advanced diagnostics," Quest CEO Jim Davis

said.

The laboratory operator now expects full-year adjusted

profit between $8.80 and $9 per share versus its previous

forecast of $8.72 to $8.97 per share.

Analysts had expected $8.86 per share, according to LSEG

data.

Quest Diagnostics ( DGX ) also lifted its 2024 revenue forecast to a

range of $9.50 billion to $9.58 billion, up from $9.40 billion

to $9.48 billion.

The company said its updated forecast does not include the

impact of its pending acquisition of Canada-based LifeLabs,

given the uncertainty around when the transaction will close.

Earlier this month, Quest said it will buy LifeLabs from

pension plan owner OMERS for about C$1.35 billion ($981.53

million), including net debt, to expand into Canada.

It still expects the deal to close in the second half of the

year.

Quest, which offers a range of diagnostic tests, including

those for allergies, chronic diseases and cancer, reported a

revenue of $2.40 billion in the second quarter, beating

estimates of $2.39 billion.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned $2.35 per share,

above estimates of $2.34 per share.

($1 = 1.3754 Canadian dollars)