Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
LMU Klinikum
Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Credit: LMU Klinikum
Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Credit: LMU Klinikum
Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
LMU Klinikum
Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
LMU Klinikum
  1. Homepage LMU Hospital
  2. Tropical Institute
  3. Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory Diagnostics

Dear Submitters,

Please note that since May 1, 2026, we will no longer offer the following tests:

  • Babesia divergens: IFT (IgM und IgG)
    Babesia microti    : IFT (IgM und IgG)
  • Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA (replaced by Gastrointestinal Panel qPCR)
  • Dengue-Virus NS1-Ag Rapid Test (replaced by NS1 AG ELISA)
  • Entamoeba spp. differentiation qPCR (replaced by Gastrointestinal Panel qPCR)
    Entamoeba spp. coproantigen ELISA (replaced by Gastrointestinal Panel qPCR)
  • Fasciola hepatica: ELISA und Immunoblot
  • Giardia lamblia coproantigen ELISA (replaced by Gastrointestinal Panel qPCR)
  • Microsporidia spp.: PCR und RFLP

    Microsporidia spp.: Staining and Microscopy

  • Rickettsia spp. (typhus group): IFT (IgM und IgG) und qPCR
    Rickettsia spp. (tick-borne fever group): IFT (IgM und IgG) und qPCR
    Orientia tsutsugamushi: IFT (IgM und IgG)
  • SARS-CoV-2 S1 AK IgG ELISA quantitative
  • Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: HAT Rapid Test and IFT


Please find further information in our updated submission form (May 1, 2026). 

In our diagnostic laboratory, we carry out over 40,000 special tests in infectious diseases and tropical medicine every year for external senders, clinics and doctors throughout Germany, as well as for patients at the institute's own outpatient clinic. We use both classical bacteriological and parasitological methods as well as the latest immunological and molecular biological methods.

The tests we offer can be billed to all patients insured with statutory health insurance companies by means of a referral slip (laboratory request).

Please note:

Our diagnostic laboratories are accredited by the German accreditation body (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15189:2024. Here you will find further information about our quality management.

Copyright unknown
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum
LMU Klinikum

Our service for referrers

Our range of services includes microscopic, cultural, serological and molecular biological examination procedures for the direct and indirect detection of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The available diagnostic procedures for specific pathogens are listed individually in the list of diseases. For patients of the department's own outpatient clinic, orienting clinical-chemical and hematological examinations are also carried out (not for external senders).

Contact us

Laboratory Diagnostics,   Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine

Unit Head: Prof. Dr. med. Gisela Bretzel

Leopoldstraße 5
80802 München
089 4400-59872
089 2180-16546
Information for referrers

Submission of test samples*

Monday - Thursday:
8 a.m. - 4.45 p.m.

Friday:
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Downloads (available in German only)

List of Services and Diseases

A comprehensive overview of our laboratory services, as well as a list of diseases, is available on our German website.

Regarding the list of services, please note that in some cases, only the diagnostic objective (e.g. Serology: Echinococcosis) can be specified on the request form, rather than individual test parameters. Diagnostic algorithms—such as the use of different test systems and the sequential application of tests for confirmation or further differentiation—ensure the highest possible sensitivity and specificity of the result.

Some of the offered tests are performed using internally validated methods (non-CE marked tests).

For special diagnostic questions beyond routine diagnostics, non-accredited specialized examinations may be performed after consultation.

Tests marked with (*) are currently not performed in-house and are forwarded to accredited or specialized subcontractors. A list of the current subcontractors can be provided upon request. If appropriate and feasible, we are happy to provide information on the measurement uncertainty of individual examinations.


Information for Laboratory Sample Submitters - referring doctors, clinics and institutes

Please note: Samples may only be submitted or sent upon prior medical prescription or referral.

Sample collection: Information on sample collection, transport, analysis frequency, preparation of blood smears and thick drops for malaria diagnostics can be found in the pre-analytics manual. For special examinations, please contact us by telephone before collecting the samples.

Information on parasitological blood tests, bacteriological and parasitological stool examinations, serology, as well as special examinations and molecular biological examinations can be found in the submission form.
Request form: Please complete our request form. This applies both to samples that are brought in person (see notes on sample submission) and to samples that are sent in by post/courier. Please use a separate request form for each patient and fill it out completely, including your signature. It is not possible to interpret the results without sufficient information on medical history, clinic, findings and previous treatment.
Notification of sample delivery: Please notify the laboratory in advance by telephone on 089 4400-59872 if you wish to deliver samples that are to be brought in person or samples for special tests.
Sample delivery: Test samples can be delivered directly to the outpatient clinic at Leopoldstraße 5, 80802 Munich, after prior notification by telephone via the laboratory (089 4400-59872).
You can find more information about visiting the outpatient clinic here.

Times for handing in test samples:

Monday to Thursday: 8 am - 4.45 pm (stool samples only Monday to Thursday: 8 am - 11 am)
Friday: 8 am - 2 pm (bacteriological and parasitological stool samples only in emergencies on Friday mornings)

Results: Important findings will be sent exclusively to your sending doctor immediately by telephone. Please make sure that the contact and telephone number of the sending doctor is given correctly.

In urgent cases, rapid tests are possible for some examinations after consultation by telephone (089 4400-59872) (results on the same day). In emergencies outside office hours (at night and at weekends), please contact the 24-hour emergency service for infectious diseases and tropical diseases (accessible via the Central Emergency Department on the City Center Campus, Tel.: 089 4400-31100).

  • For outpatients with health insurance a referral slip can be used for one or more examinations.
  • For private patients, the invoice is sent directly to the patient. The patient's full address is required for this.
  • Clinics are billed directly.
  • For other payers, please state the exact name and full address.

Information on diagnostic research (working group "Neglected Mycobacterial Diseases", Prof. Dr. med. Gisela Bretzel) and other research laboratories at the Institute (immunological research, SARS-CoV-2 laboratory, clinical studies) can be found in the Research section.