The Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics (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 analytics related to forensic genetics.

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 Test

The gut microbiota consists of the collection of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites and non-pathogenic fungi) that live in our gastro-intestinal tract. Different microbiota exist in our body, for example, at the level of the skin or mouth. The intestinal microbiota is the most important, weighing about 2 kg and with 2 to 10 times as many cells as those that make up our bodies.
The microbiota is an eco-system that is formed at birth and, like fingerprints, is unique to each individual.
The presence of micro-organisms in our intestines has been known for more than a century, and a close relationship between our organism and this "flora" was immediately assumed, although analytical techniques until recently did not allow its satisfactory analysis.
The recent development of new genetic analysis techniques now allows detailed analysis of the microbiota and the highlighting of:

• interaction between microbiota and our organism

• interactions between the different microorganisms present

• influence of the microbiota on our health

Microbiota: what it is for

Today it is officially recognized that the microbiota plays a key role in digestive, metabolic, immune and neurological functions.
It follows that a dysbiosis, that is, an alteration in the balance of the microbiota, can be at the origin of various diseases.
The microbiota is useful to our body and plays an important role in the proper functioning of our digestive system, immune system,in case of metabolic dysfunction  and inflammatory phenomena.

• fermentation and digestion of non-digestible food residues

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

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

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

• key role in the intestinal immune system

• regulation of intestinal inflammatory phenomena

Paternity Testing

The DNA analysis for paternity ascertainment is a method now recognized worldwide by the Societies of Forensic Medicine, which is based on the determination of the length of a series of DNA fragments having a repetitive sequence (STR, short tandem repeat): a true individual "genetic identity card."

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

Paternity analysis requires authorization from the relevant Federal Department and LDM holds this authorization with legal value.

Sampling: non-invasive by mouth smear (oral mucosa), from blood or saliva (to be done at our laboratory).
Timing: 2 to a maximum of 4 weeks. The report will be delivered personally to all persons involved. No information will be transmitted via telephone.

Price: 1,100 CHF (+VAT) per presumed father, mother and child. Additional persons 400 CHF (+VAT) each.

Documents:A valid legitimacy document (ID card, passport or residence permit, with photograph) must be presented. In the absence of an official document for the child(ren), the birth certificate shall take precedence.  In the absence of any of the required documents, the analysis will not be accepted.

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

Medical Analyses

All medical analyses available by prescription or ordered by your physician.

Genetic Analyses-Microbiological Analyses

Forensic Analyses

Molecular analyses have become increasingly important in recent years for their applications in the field of forensic medicine. Thanks also to a sudden media development, forensic genetics has gained more and more importance in crime solving.