Quest Diagnostics Inc. has launched the first of its Leumeta cancer testing assays, designed as an alternative to bone marrow biopsies (which everyone would prefer to avoid). The assays identify and analyze genetic components of leukemia and lymphoma tumors using blood plasma instead of bone marrow, and can measure the amount of cancer in a patient, detect certain blood cancer markers, and assist the physician in monitoring the efficacy of the treatment being administered. (www.sensorsmag.com/0706/RDPlasma)