Laboratory Diagnostics
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 information for referring doctors, clinics and institutes.
Our diagnostic laboratories are accredited by the German accreditation body (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15189:
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).
Downloads (available in German only)
Contact us
Laboratory Diagnostics, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Unit Head: Prof. Dr. med. Gisela Bretzel
80802 München
Submission of test samples*
Monday - Thursday:
8 a.m. - 4.45 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
*by prior appointment by telephone: 089 4400-59872
General investigations (available in German only)
List of diseases (available in German only)
Notes on the List of Services
In some cases, only the diagnostic objective (e.g. Serology: Echinococcosis) can be specified on the request/referral 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.
Abbreviations of test methods
-
Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay
-
Immunofluorescence antibody test
-
Indirect hemagglutination test
-
Polymerase chain reaction
-
Quantitative PCR
-
Restriction fragment length polymorphism
-
Reverse transcription
COVID-19 serology: antibody diagnostics service for submitters
If you would like to find out whether you still have sufficient protection after vaccination or infection, please have your blood sample sent to us for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing via your general practitioner. Please note that antibody testing is not covered by public health insurance and is a private service. We offer the following tests:
- Anti-spike (S1) IgG semi-quantitative (detectable in case of illness and vaccination, suitable for determining vaccination success): 23,46 EUR
- Anti-spike (S1) IgG quantitative (detectable in case of illness and vaccination, suitable for determining vaccination success): 23,46 EUR
- Anti-nucleocapsid (NCP) IgG (diagnostic indication of an illness): 23,46 EUR
- Neutralization surrogate test (diagnostic indication of an illness): 23,46 EUR
Please note that we can only accept submissions (e.g. via your GP) for COVID-19 antibody diagnostics. We can perform the tests either individually or in combination. In addition to the test costs, there is the postage for the transmission of the results (95 cents).
For sample submitters: In our Preanalytics Manual you will find further information and an overview. For your order, please fill out the request form/submission form for your order. The documents (available in German only) and the list of test methods are available in the section "Downloads".
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 request form/submission form.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)
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.
- Please note that antibody diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is not covered by health insurance, but is a private service (see COVID-19 serology price overview). Therefore, it is not possible to bill via a health insurance voucher.
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.
