Laboratory Medicine
The Institute of Laboratory Medicine is a research center dedicated to advancing medical science through high-quality clinical and population-based research. Its core focus lies in the investigation of cardiovascular risk factors and their longitudinal dynamics within the general population. Additional research areas include the systematic evaluation and optimization of diagnostic testing methodologies to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Research areas
GAPP Study - Genetic and phenotypic determinants of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors (GAPP)
The prospective cohort study GAPP aims to investigate the causes of cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids and high blood glucose) for the development of cardiovascular disease. The study further aims to understand if the development of these risk factors depend on genetic components and if, which genetic factors are key for the progression of high blood pressure.
Between the years 2010 and 2013, 2’170 residents of Liechtenstein (approximately one-third of this age class) aged between 25 and 40 were recruited to participate in this long-term study. After two successful follow-ups examinations, the 3rd follow-up started in December 2023 and is planned to be continued until the end of 2028.
COVI-GAPP Study - Defining the role of a fertility bracelet for early recognition and monitoring of COVID-19 in Liechtenstein: an observational study (COVI-GAPP)
With the outbreak of the coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) in April 2020, the COVI-GAPP study was initiated from the GAPP study cohort. The aim of the COVI-GAPP study was to develop a method for an early COVID-19 detection using a sensory bracelet (Ava bracelet) originally developed as a fertility tracker. The Ava bracelet recorded physiological parameters (such as heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, perfusion, skin temperature, sleep quality and movement) every 10 seconds during the night.
Of the 2’170 GAPP participants, 1’144 agreed to participate in the COVI-GAPP study.
SENIORLAB Study
It is well-known that daily habits, dietary pattern, sleep quality and sleep duration change with increasing age. Little is, however, known about laboratory reference values in elderly (60+) people. Do they also change with age? The SENIORLAB study uses laboratory data as an aid to better understand if reference values of elderly people differ from the younger generation, and if new laboratory reference values are needed for people over the age of 60.
PRADO Study - Predictive markers for the diagnosis of preeclampsia
The main objective of the PRADO study is to prospectively determine the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women in Switzerland. Preeclampsia is a serious complication of the second half of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and proteinuria.
Between 2008 and 2022, 1’300 pregnant women in their 11th - 14th week of pregnancy were recruited for the PRADO study.
Further research areas
- Research on kidney diseases (e.g. the shrunken pore syndrome)
- Vitamin B12: Diagnostic markers for vitamin B12 deficiency
- Epidemiology of laboratory-defined conditions in the Principality of Liechtenstein
- Characterization and use of diagnostic tests