Laboratory Corporation of America (LH) 10-Q 2009 Q3 Quarterly report

												EXHIBIT 12.1
STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(dollars in millions, except ratio information)
		Fiscal Years Ended December 31,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2004		2005		2006		2007		2008		2009
		Adjusted (b)								Adjusted (a)
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes			530.5		640.7		720.9		802.3		785.7		681.4
Fixed Charges:
Interest on long-term and
short-term debt including
amortization of debt expense			120.9		34.4		47.8		56.6		72.0		48.2
Portion of rental expense as can be
demonstrated to be representative
of the interest factor			35.5		39.9		43.6		53.0		58.4		45.8
Total fixed charges			156.4		74.3		91.4		109.6		130.4		94.0
Earnings before income taxes and
fixed charges			686.9		715.0		812.3		911.9		916.1		775.4
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges			4.39		9.62		8.89		8.32		7.03		8.25
(a)	In accordance with authoritative guidance in connection with noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that became effective
	January 1, 2009, the amounts reported for 2008 have been retrospectively adjusted. Retrospective adoption was required as
	discussed in Note 12, "New Accounting Pronouncements," in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
	Statements.
(b)	In accordance with authoritative guidance in connection with accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled
	in cash upon conversion that became effective January 1, 2009, the amounts reported for 2004 have been retrospectively
	adjusted. Retrospective adoption was required as discussed in Note 12, "New Accounting Pronouncements," in Notes
	to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.