Scientific Departments

Medical Biology

The LNS Medical Biology Department offers a wide range of activities, including specialized analyses in biochemistry and endocrinology, diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, and allergology. The Department is responsible for newborn screening in Luxembourg and has developed the country’s only medical toxicology laboratory.

It serves a diverse clientele, including private laboratories, hospitals, and the general population, particularly in occupational medicine, as well as drug addiction associations, correctional facilities, socio-educational centers, the armed forces, and maternity wards. In addition, the Department is responsible for centralized sample reception.

Learn more about the Department Medical Biology

National Center of Genetics

The National Center of Genetics (NCG) covers all areas of human genetics, including clinical genetics, genetic counseling, and a broad range of genetic diagnostics, from conventional karyotyping to modern next-generation sequencing (NGS).

The NCG provides genetic consultations and diagnostic services to individuals and their families, for example in the context of familial cancer predisposition, rare hereditary diseases, or prenatal genetics and family planning. In addition, the NCG continuously implements new techniques and expands its diagnostic portfolio to ensure state-of-the-art patient care.

Learn more about the Department National Center of Genetics

National Center of Pathology

The National Center of Pathology (NCP) offers a comprehensive range of cytological, histological, and molecular diagnostic services, provided by a highly specialized team.

The Department is composed of two services: the Anatomical Pathology Service, which is responsible for the histological analysis of biopsies, surgical specimens, and non-gynaecological cytology, and the Gynecological Cytology Service, which is responsible for cervical cancer screening.

Learn more about the Department National Center of Pathology

Legal Medicine

The Department of Legal Medicine works mostly at the request of the Luxembourg judicial authorities, the police and other government bodies.

Its main activity areas are all aspects of forensic medicine, the genetic identification based on molecular biology methods, toxicological reports for autopsies and matters concerning living persons, the identification and testing of narcotic drugs and the control of drugs, food supplements or other products of unknown origin suspected of containing medicinal substances.

Learn more about the Department Legal Medicine

Microbiology

The LNS Microbiology Department provides high-quality diagnostic services, accredited by the Luxembourg Office of Accreditation Services (OLAS), in bacteriology including mycology, virology, and sequencing, with an increasing focus on a syndromic approach and surveillance.

The Department is actively involved in national and European projects related to surveillance, preparedness, and the development of action plans addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), all aimed at enhancing public health responses to infectious diseases.

Learn more about the Department Microbiology

Health Protection

The Health Protection department supports public health and healthcare for problems caused or aggravated by the environment, including indoor pollution and workplace conditions.

The Department fulfills this mission by providing services such as expert advice, training, and applied research. Its main stakeholders are the hospitals, the ministries, and the occupational health services in Luxembourg.

Learn more about the Department Health Protection