Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have made their way into drinking water, consumer products, and even our bodies. With potential health risks tied to exposure, PFAS have become one of the most pressing public health challenges today.

In this episode of The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics, host Dr Jack Kain speaks with Dr. Sarah Bartock, National Science Director of Drug Monitoring & Toxicology at Quest. Together, they break down what PFAS are, how people are exposed, and the health conditions that have been linked to these chemicals. They also discuss how blood testing—including Quest’s PFAS 9 Panel—can help patients and providers better understand risk and make informed decisions about exposure reduction and health monitoring.

Listeners will also hear about emerging research into possible interventions, the limitations of current testing, and the broader challenges of addressing PFAS in the environment.

Don’t miss this important conversation that connects environmental science, preventive care, and clinical practice.

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Abbreviations used in episode:

NHANES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

NASEM: National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

References mentioned in episode:

1. Møller JJ, Lyngberg AC, Hammer PEC, et al.. Substantial decrease of PFAS with anion exchange resin treatment - A clinical cross-over trial. Environ Int. 2024;185:108497. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108497
2. Ducatman A, Luster M, Fletcher T. Perfluoroalkyl substance excretion: Effects of organic anion-inhibiting and resin-binding drugs in a community setting. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2021;85:103650. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2021.103650
3. Lindell AE, Grießhammer A, Michaelis L, et al. Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nat Microbiol. 2025;10(7):1630-1647.
4. Dzierlenga MW, Keast DR, Longnecker MP. The concentration of several perfluoroalkyl acids in serum appears to be reduced by dietary fiber. Environ Int. 2021;146:106292. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.106292
5. Schlezinger JJ, Biswas K, Garcia A, Heiger-Bernays WJ, Bello D. An oat fiber intervention for reducing PFAS body burden: A pilot study in male C57Bl/6 J mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2025;495:117188. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2024.117188
6. Tian Y, Luan M, Zhang J, Yang H, Wang Y, Chen H. Associations of single and multiple perfluoroalkyl substances exposure with folate among adolescents in NHANES 2007-2010. Chemosphere. 2022;307(Pt 3):135995. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135995
7. Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Wang YX, Sun Y, Agudelo J, et al.. Folate concentrations and serum perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in adolescents and adults in the USA (National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2003-16): an observational study. Lancet Planet Health. 2023;7(6):e449-e458. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00088-8

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In this episode of Results Are In by Quest Diagnostics, Jen Jenkins is joined by Dr. Meghan W. Starolis, Senior Science Director of Infectious Disease at Quest Diagnostics, to discuss the importance of universal screening for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Dr. Starolis explains the CDC’s latest recommendations, the real-world impact of co-infections, and why regular testing is critical even for patients without symptoms. She also breaks down how Quest supports clinicians with tools like the HBV Triple Screen panel, which simplifies complex interpretations, and highlights recent innovations in HIV testing, including updated algorithms and clearer reporting for providers. Listeners will also gain insights into what an HIV “blip” means and how Quest is addressing provider feedback to improve patient care.

This episode is essential for healthcare professionals and patients alike who want to better understand why screening is the first step in prevention, care, and improved outcomes.

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Across oncology care, clinicians are facing a growing demand for precision tools that go beyond standard imaging and protein biomarkers. In this episode of Results Are In by Quest Diagnostics, host Jesus Izaguirre-Carbonell welcomes Dr. Thomas P. Slavin Jr., Chief Clinical Officer of Molecular Oncology and Medical Director for Haystack MRD at Quest, for a focused conversation on minimal residual disease (MRD) testing.

Dr. Slavin walks through how ultrasensitive ctDNA detection is changing the game for treatment monitoring, especially in perisurgical and surveillance settings. He explains the science behind circulating tumor DNA, how MRD testing is helping avoid unnecessary chemotherapy, and what makes certain tests stand out in terms of sensitivity and access. The episode also highlights real clinical examples and emerging evidence that show how MRD testing is guiding decisions and reducing overtreatment.

This is a practical listen for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in the latest tools transforming cancer management from reactive to proactive.

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In this episode of Results are In by Quest Diagnostics, Dr. Jack Kain joins Jason Suomala to explain the threat of novel psychoactive substances and how Quest's updated testing panel helps providers identify what's being used and treat patients with more confidence.

They break down what providers need to know about NPS classes like designer benzodiazepines, fentanyl analogs, synthetic cannabinoids, and more. With real-world case studies and clinical insights, the discussion highlights why traditional drug testing often misses these compounds—and how Quest’s updated NPS panel helps providers detect risk and guide treatment with greater accuracy.

The episode also explores how the evolving drug landscape, fueled by counterfeit pills and illicit drug mixing, is increasing overdose risks across the country. Whether you're a healthcare professional, toxicologist, or public health advocate, this conversation will help you better understand what’s really showing up in patients’ systems and what to do about it.

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In this episode of Results are In by Quest Diagnostics, Amanda Benson is joined by Dr. Michael Racke, Medical Director for Neurology at Quest Diagnostics, to discuss the groundbreaking role blood-based biomarkers play in assessing Alzheimer’s disease risk. Dr. Racke shares his expert insights on how these biomarkers are revolutionizing early risk detection and diagnosis, offering primary care physicians a proactive tool to identify Alzheimer’s before cognitive symptoms appear. From the evolution of Alzheimer's diagnostics to the practical application of plasma-based tests, Dr. Racke explains how integrating these tests into routine health visits can enable earlier interventions and better patient outcomes. He also discusses how blood-based biomarkers, in conjunction with digital cognitive assessments, are improving the sensitivity of Alzheimer’s screenings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Alzheimer’s diagnostics and the power of early detection in cognitive health.

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Welcome to The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics, where host Amanda Benson dives into the critical role of diagnostics in shaping the future of healthcare. Join industry-leading experts as they explore how comprehensive testing supports faster, more effective care and drives better patient outcomes across a wide range of clinical areas. From uncovering insights through Quest’s industry-leading diagnostic data to spotlighting the latest innovations in lab testing, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed on advancements in diagnostic medicine. Whether you’re looking to make testing work harder for your patients or simply want the inside track on the latest developments, The Results Are In is a must-listen.

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