The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (LDM) is a facility specializing in the application of molecular biology to the diagnosis of genetic diseases, the detection of microorganisms using molecular methods, and forensic genetics analysis.

Our analyses

Lifestyle analyses

Our analyses, available without a prescription, are authorized by the Federal Department of Health. Choose the type of analysis and order conveniently online. A genetic test examines the genetic information contained within a person's cells, called DNA. LDM Lifestyle DNA tests are performed in Switzerland by trained personnel using an analytically validated process.

Microbiota testing

The gut microbiota consists of the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and non-pathogenic fungi) that live in our gastrointestinal tract. There are several microbiotas in our body, for example, on the skin or in the mouth. The gut microbiota is the most important, weighing approximately 2 kg and containing 2 to 10 times more cells than our body.
The microbiota is an ecosystem that forms at birth and, like fingerprints, is unique to each individual.
The presence of microorganisms in our intestines has been known for over a century, and a close relationship between our body and this "flora" was immediately hypothesized, even though until recently, analytical techniques did not allow for its satisfactory analysis.
The recent development of new genetic analysis techniques now allows for a detailed analysis of the microbiota and highlights:

• interactions between the microbiota and our body

• interactions between the various microorganisms present

• the influence of the microbiota on our health

Microbiota: what is it for?

Today, the fundamental role of microbiota in digestive, metabolic, immune, and neurological functions is officially recognized.
It follows that dysbiosis, or an alteration in the balance of the microbiota, can be the cause of various diseases.
Microbiota is beneficial to our body and plays an important role in the proper functioning of our digestive and immune systems, in cases of metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory phenomena.

• fermentation and digestion of indigestible food residues

• assimilation of food thanks to the presence of enzymes that our body does not possess

• synthesis of certain vitamins (K, B12, B8, etc.)

• absorption of fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, etc.

• fundamental role in the intestinal immune system

• regulation of intestinal inflammation

Paternity testing

DNA analysis for paternity testing is a method now recognized worldwide by forensic medicine societies, based on determining the length of a series of DNA fragments with a repetitive sequence (STR, short tandem repeat): a veritable individual "genetic identity card."

The test makes it possible to exclude a presumed father with certainty (100%), but also to attribute possible biological paternity with a very high degree of probability (99.99%).

Paternity testing requires authorization from the relevantFederal Department, and LDM has this legally valid authorization.

Sampling: non-invasive with a buccal swab (oral mucosa), blood or saliva (to be carried out at our laboratory).
Timing: 2 to a maximum of 4 weeks. The report will be delivered personally to all parties involved. No information will be given over the phone.

Price: CHF1, 100 (+ VAT) for the alleged father, mother, and child. Additional persons CHF 400 (+ VAT) each.

Documents: Valididentification (ID card, passport, or residence permit with photo) must be presented. In the absence of an official document for the child, the birth certificate will suffice. If any of the required documents are missing, the analysis will not be accepted.

Accredited laboratory: The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in Lugano operates in accordance with the "Federal Law on Genetic Testing on Human Beings (LEGU, 810.12)" and is accredited according to ISO 17025 (accreditation number STS 360). This quality mark, granted by the Swiss Accreditation Service (www.sas.ch), certifies the technical competence and quality of the services performed in our laboratory.

Medical analyses

All medical analyses available on prescription or ordered by your doctor.

Genetic analyses - microbiological analyses - microbiological analyses

Forensic analyses

In recent years, molecular analyses have become increasingly important for their applications in the field of forensic medicine. Thanks in part to sudden media attention, forensic genetics has become increasingly important in solving crimes.