What Quest Diagnostics does for background checks

Quest Diagnostics is a clinical laboratory company that also runs a background check division called Quest Employment Solutions. They conduct drug screening, criminal history searches, and other checks that employers order as part of hiring decisions. Quest does not make the hiring decision — they gather information and send a report to the employer who ordered it.

Quest operates in all 50 states and handles millions of background checks annually. They pull records from county courts, state databases, the FBI, and other public sources. The information they report depends on what the employer asked them to search for and what records are available in each jurisdiction.

If an employer orders a background check through Quest, you will typically be notified in writing that a check is happening. You have the right to know what information was reported about you, and you can dispute anything you believe is inaccurate.

Key Takeaways

  • Quest Employment Solutions conducts criminal history searches, drug screening, and employment verification on behalf of employers, not on behalf of job candidates.
  • You have the right to receive a copy of any background report Quest generates about you, and you can dispute information you believe is wrong.
  • Quest pulls criminal records from county courts and state databases, so what shows up depends on where you have lived and what records are public in those states.
  • If you find an error in a Quest report, you can file a dispute directly with Quest or contact the Federal Trade Commission if you believe the company did not handle your complaint fairly.

What information Quest includes in a background check

The scope of a Quest background check depends on what the employer ordered. A typical check includes criminal history from county courts and state records, but an employer might also request drug screening, driving record, employment history verification, education verification, or credit history.

Criminal records that appear in a Quest report come from public court documents. Quest searches county courts where you have lived or worked. They also search state crime databases and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. What shows up depends on whether records are public in that state and whether they have been sealed or expunged.

Some states restrict what employers can see. For example, some states do not allow employers to see arrests that did not result in conviction, or they limit how far back an employer can look. Quest is required to follow these state laws, so a record that appears in one state's background check might not appear in another.

How to get a copy of your Quest background report

You have a right under federal law to receive a copy of any background report that was created about you. If you know an employer ordered a check through Quest, you can contact Quest directly to request your report. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information.

Quest maintains a consumer portal where you can request your report online, or you can call their consumer relations line. The company is required to provide the report at no cost to you. You should receive it within a few business days, though the exact timeline depends on how the request is processed.

You can also ask the employer who ordered the check to tell you what company they used and provide you with contact information. Many employers will do this if you ask directly.

Disputing information in a Quest background report

If your Quest report contains information you believe is wrong, you can file a dispute with Quest directly. Common errors include records that belong to someone else with a similar name, charges that were dismissed or expunged, or convictions that were overturned on appeal.

To dispute a record, contact Quest and explain what information is inaccurate and why. You will likely need to provide documentation — such as a court order showing a case was dismissed, or a certified copy of an expungement. Quest will investigate your dispute and update the report if they find the information was wrong.

If Quest does not resolve your dispute to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC oversees background check companies and can investigate whether Quest violated consumer protection laws. You can file a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338.

What happens after Quest sends a report to an employer

Once Quest completes a background check and sends the report to the employer, the hiring decision is up to the employer. Quest does not tell the employer whether to hire you or not — they only provide the information.

If an employer decides not to hire you based on information in a Quest report, federal law requires the employer to tell you that a background check was the reason. The employer must also give you a copy of the report and a chance to dispute it before making a final decision.

Some employers will give you a chance to explain information in the report before they decide. Others will not. The employer's process is separate from Quest's process — Quest's job ends when they send the report.

State differences in what Quest can report

Background check rules vary by state, and Quest must follow the laws of the state where the employer is located and where you worked or lived. Some states have "ban the box" laws that limit when an employer can ask about criminal history. Other states restrict how far back an employer can look or what types of records can be reported.

For example, California does not allow employers to see arrests or convictions older than seven years in most cases. New York has similar limits. Some states do not allow employers to see misdemeanor convictions at all, or they require the employer to consider how long ago the conviction happened and whether it relates to the job.

If you live in or worked in a state with these restrictions, Quest should follow those rules when preparing a report for an employer in that state. If you believe Quest reported information that violates your state's laws, that is grounds for a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Quest see arrests that did not result in a conviction?

It depends on the state. Some states allow employers to see arrests even if you were not convicted, while other states restrict this information. Quest follows the rules of the state where the employer is located, so what appears in your report depends on where the job is.

How long does a Quest background check take?

Most Quest background checks are completed within three to five business days, though some take longer if records are difficult to locate or if additional verification is needed. The employer will tell you how long to expect to wait.

What if my name is similar to someone else and their record shows up in my report?

This is a common error. Contact Quest and explain that the record belongs to someone else. Provide your date of birth and any other identifying information that differs from the person in the record. Quest will investigate and remove the record if it does not match you.

Can I see what an employer ordered Quest to search for?

Your Quest report will show what information was searched and reported. If you want to know what the employer specifically asked for, you can ask the employer directly — they ordered the check, so they know what they requested.

Does a Quest background check include my credit history?

Only if the employer ordered it. Credit checks are a separate product and require your written consent under federal law. Quest will only include credit information if the employer specifically requested it and you agreed to it.