Shares of Response Genetics Inc. rose after on Monday the Los Angeles diagnostic testing company announced Monday it signed a contract with health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

The agreement gives doctors affiliated with the health plan easier access to Response Genetics’ suite of tests to help patients get more effective treatment for lung cancer, melanoma and other illnesses.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has 7.4 million members.

In Monday midday trading, shares of Response Genetics were up 6.6 percent to $1.61 on the Nasdaq.