The Laboratory for Biological Analysis and References at METAS develops, validates and applies metrologically traceable molecular methods for the reliable detection, characterization and quantification of nucleic acids. As part of Switzerland’s National Metrology Institute (NMI), we provide the measurement science foundation required to ensure the accuracy, comparability and traceability of DNA and RNA measurements in areas such as laboratory medicine, food safety, environmental monitoring and biotechnology.

Using state-of-the-art molecular technologies, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR/ddPCR) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), we analyse nucleic acids in a wide range of sample matrices and develop reference measurement procedures, reference materials and quality assurance tools. Our measurement capabilities support applications such as pathogen detection in food and environmental samples, identification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and molecular diagnostic applications such as cancer genomics. Research and innovation are integral parts of our mission. We perform monitoring campaigns, participate in international collaborative research projects and conduct scientific studies to advance measurement capabilities, develop novel analytical approaches and address emerging challenges in biological analysis.

In addition to our role as an NMI laboratory, we host the Swiss National Reference Laboratories  for genetically modified organisms in food (NRL-GMO) and food-borne viruses (NRL-Virus). Through this dual function as both an NMI and NRL, we support national surveillance and regulatory activities while contributing to European and international efforts to harmonise molecular measurements and strengthen analytical quality standards. Our laboratory operates under the accredited quality management system of METAS in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 (accreditation number STS 0119).