The Laboratory of Reproductive Biology is a key partner for the physicians of the Cantonal Fertility Center in their mission to help couples struggling to have a child and for all gynecological and urological professionals in the canton who deal with infertility-related issues.For those who are having difficulty conceiving or for those who want to preserve their reproductive material for later use, the Lab ensures that sperm, eggs and embryos are maintained under the most appropriate conditions of care.
The laboratory boasts a team of expert embryologists and specialized technicians with established experience in the fields of embryology, in vitro fertilization and genetics. Thanks to our diverse expertise, we can offer all the permissible types of treatment of the Swiss Law (IVF, ICSI, Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer, homologous and heterologous inseminations, preimplantation genetic investigations carried out on the embryo before transfer to the uterus, fertilization techniques, blastocyst/embryo culture, cryopreservation and storage of cryopreserved embryos, cryopreservation and storage of oocytes).
The facility features filtered air and controlled temperature and humidity, incubators, microscopes and micromanipulators equipped with the latest technology in the field, 24-hour monitoring of all equipment. In addition, we maintain cryogenic tanks in an alarmed space to freeze gametes and embryos for couples undergoing treatment or those who have undergone surgeries that might render them unable to have children, including cancer patients and transgender patients or women who wish to cryopreserve their oocytes to postpone their motherhood plans.
In addition to treatments, diagnostic tests in the field of Andrology such as spermiograms, MAR Test (sperm antibody detection) or DNA fragmentation analysis (SCSA method) are performed daily.
In addition to treatments, diagnostic analyses in the field of Andrology such as:
- Sperm analysis (checks volume, viscosity and pH, as well as sperm count, motility and morphology/shape to determine sperm quality and quantity);
- MAR Test (sperm antibody detection);
- DNA fragmentation analysis (SCSA method);
- sperm washing for intrauterine insemination (IUI) (separates spermatozoa from seminal fluid to prepare them for insertion into the uterus);
- cryopreservation of sperm for intrauterine insemination (for infertile couples, those planning a vasectomy, and cancer patients);
- selection and storage of cryopreserved donor sperm;
- retrograde ejaculation and urine analysis.
Useful information
Our laboratories are located at both Ospedale La Carità in Locarno and Ospedale Italiano in Lugano so as to minimize waiting time for results and offer patients the unique opportunity to interact directly with laboratory personnel. We offer the highest quality and patient care in andrology, embryology and endocrine testing. The laboratory undergoes several inspections to ensure quality and safe working conditions that comply with ISO standards guaranteed by the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS.
Laboratory manager: Fusconi Alessandra
