LabCorp 2009 Annual Report Download - page 15

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whether to prescribe the EGFR inhibitors IRESSA® and
Tarceva® for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.
For breast cancer patients, the HERmark® Breast Cancer
Assay is a highly sensitive test to identify individuals who
will benefi t from Herceptin® therapy. There also is increas-
ing demand for our genetic test that measures sensitivity
to Warfarin, a medication frequently prescribed to prevent
blood clots.
Our premier esoteric clinical trials laboratory allows us
to perform biomarker discovery to bring forward specifi c
tests for pharmaceutical company sponsors, and the
opportunity to commercialize companion diagnostics.
With so many drugs in trials and research pipelines tied
to biomarkers, this clinical trials business positions us well
to be a valued partner in drug and test development.
Enhancing Customer Experiences
Combined with our strategy of leadership in individualized
medicine, LabCorp’s execution of the tactical steps of
continually improving the physician and patient experience
drives growth. In 2009 we took signifi cant steps to make
interactions with our customers more convenient and
satisfying. For physicians, we enhanced the format of key
reports to highlight essential information that helps guide
patient treatment decisions. We added personal health
records, e-prescribing capabilities, new connectivity
tools and the ability to share results electronically with
other providers.
For patients, our online appointment scheduling speeds
patients through our draw centers. Our “Touch” collection
and processing system improves the patient experience
by guiding phlebotomists through the collection process
and signifi cantly improving accuracy of specimen collection.
These and other initiatives increased customer satisfaction
in the year just ended and will continue to do so in the
years ahead.
Realizing Potential for Patients and Shareholders
The role of molecular diagnostics in personalized medicine
is just beginning. The success to date demonstrates its
vast potential to help prevent, diagnose and guide the
treatment of disease. We will remain at the forefront of
innovation in the laboratory industry as we seek to improve
health care through treatment programs tailored to the
individual needs of doctors and patients.
We are proud of LabCorp’s scientifi c leadership and
consistent fi nancial performance. We are proud of what
we have accomplished in past years, including 2009.
We look forward to the opportunity to create even more
value in the years ahead.
I am also proud of my 28,000 colleagues who deliver results
for physicians, patients and investors every day. None of
this would be possible without them. I thank each of them
for their efforts, and each of you for your continued support.
Very truly yours,
Dave King
Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA 13