Regional Laboratory South - IM
In 2004, the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS) tasked the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) with establishing a Swiss national Network of Regional Laboratories (RLN). The network's mission is to enhance the rapid identification of pathogens during bioterrorism alarms, pandemics, epidemics, or epizootics.
The Regional Laboratory Network, now fully operational, plays a key role in the national strategy for the protection of the population (ABC protection concept). The Regional Laboratory South for biosafety (LR Sud) is an integral part of the RLN and serves as a regional hub for biological alerts (B-events), supporting the National Reference Centers. Its primary mission is the rapid analysis of highly pathogenic agents, typically in environmental samples and during biological events. This enables the decentralization of primary and selective analysis of the most dangerous microorganisms.
The Regional Laboratory Network, now fully operational, plays a key role in the national strategy for the protection of the population (ABC protection concept). The Regional Laboratory South for biosafety (LR Sud) is an integral part of the RLN and serves as a regional hub for biological alerts (B-events), supporting the National Reference Centers. Its primary mission is the rapid analysis of highly pathogenic agents, typically in environmental samples and during biological events. This enables the decentralization of primary and selective analysis of the most dangerous microorganisms.
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Implementation of new methods
Development and implementation of innovative methods for detecting biological contaminants and rare, emerging, and highly pathogenic agents (whether viral, bacterial, or fungal agents) affecting humans and animals. This applies to environmental samples and during biological events such as bioterrorism, pandemics, epidemics, or epizootics.
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Sample analysis
Analysis of environmental samples to detect dangerous pathogens, such as Bacillus anthracis (suspicious powders) and other potential bioterrorism agents (e.g., Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella spp.), in the event of biological events and upon request by the Canton.
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Surveillance and analysis of pathogens
Surveillance and analysis of emerging pathogens that affect humans and/or animals (e.g., arboviruses in vector organisms).
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Consulting and expertise
We provide scientific expertise in cases of biosafety issues within the territory (biological events, contaminated areas, epidemics, vector-borne pathogens, etc.) upon request by authorities or private entities.