Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 8-K Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Announces Proposed Senior Notes Offering

Exhibit 12.1

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT RATIOS)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011			2010			2009
Income from continuing operations before taxes, equity earnings and net income attributable to non-controlling interests	$	1,323		$	1,042		$	820		$	1,145		$	1,177
Adjustments:
Distributed income from less than 50% owned companies		25			25			29			31			25
Fixed charges		237			239			245			219			220
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes and fixed charges, as adjusted	$	1,585		$	1.306		$	1,094		$	1,395		$	1,422
Fixed charges:
Interest expense	$	163		$	169		$	173		$	148		$	150
Portion of rent expense which represents interest factor		74			70			72			71			70
Total fixed charges	$	237		$	239		$	245		$	219		$	220
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		6.7	x		5.5	x		4.5	x		6.4	x		6.5	x