Infection Diagnostics

Diagnosing infections by means of advanced molecular methods is becoming more and more widespread in hospitals and clinical departments. A change in clinical practice towards the use of new molecular methods has the potential to save lives through faster and more reliable diagnosis of critical infections. Nevertheless, development and market introduction of new assays for in vitro diagnostics and point-of-care analysis remains a challenge for both manufacturers and end-users.

We combine core expertise in molecular biology and bioinformatics with in-depth knowledge about routine clinical practice in hospitals. In cooperation with companies, researchers, and clinicians, we develop and validate new methods and assays for molecular in vitro diagnostics, and contribute to the implementation and change of clinical practices.

We can assist you by providing

• Analysis of complex polymicrobial infections
• In vitro systems to study microbial growth under standardized conditions (including MBEC™, flow cells, CDC reactors, biofilm static tests)
• Consultancy and validation of assays and analytical technologies
• GMO laboratory for handling genetically modified organisms
• Class II laboratory facilities for cultivation and handling of pathogenic microorganisms
• Detailed knowledge of various types of infections such as blood poisoning (sepsis), heart valve infection (endocarditis), chronic wounds and infections related to implants, prostheses and medical devices
• Expertise with phage display technology for development of detection systems
• Bioinformatics for design of probes and data analysis
• Development and optimisation of PCR-based assays (PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR)
• NGS and Sanger sequencing of DNA and RNA
• Development and optimisation of assays for fluorescence microscopy (DNA-FISH, PNA-FISH)
• Identification and development of protein-based biomarkers