Laboratory Medicine in Switzerland

Laboratory medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis of diseases based on laboratory testing of substances taken from the body. These substances include blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids. It is also known as clinical pathology. 

From determining a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease to measuring cholesterol levels, laboratory tests have many uses. Some common diseases that require laboratory tests are kidney disease, liver failure, and diabetes. There are numerous different types of laboratory tests, including, but are not limited to:

• Blood tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and prothrombin time (PT).
• Urine tests or urinalysis.
• Genetic testing.
• Tumor markers.
• Fecal occult blood test.
• Culture test.

How Long Should I Stay in Switzerland?

You do not have to stay in Switzerland for any longer than you need to. However, you may be advised to stay for two days to two weeks, or until the results are ready. Once the results are ready, you will have to attend an appointment with your doctor who will explain the results to you. You and your doctor may also discuss the treatment plan, if necessary. In some cases, the results can be sent to you by mail or email so you can leave Switzerland immediately after your laboratory test and have your local doctor explain the results to you.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is typically no recovery time after a lab test. It is advisable that you refrain from doing any vigorous exercise and keep your bandage on for the recommended amount of time after a blood test (usually for around 30 minutes to an hour).

What Aftercare is Required?

No aftercare is needed after laboratory medicine, but in some cases, you may need regular checkups.

What's the Success Rate?

Laboratory medicine is constantly advancing and evolving. With new, cutting-edge equipment and continuous research, laboratory tests are now safer, more successful, and more accurate than before. This does not mean, however, that every lab test is accurate. Although very minimal, there is always a risk of misdiagnosis. 

Are there Alternatives?

In certain cases, your doctor may recommend imaging tests instead of lab tests. 

Laboratory Medicine in and around Switzerland

About Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in Europe and is famous for its chocolate and clocks; this country offers its visitors beautiful landscapes, medieval towns, modern art, avant-garde culture, and Alpine tradition. From the Swiss Alps and the Jura Mountains to Renaissance-era allegorical statues and medieval architecture, Switzerland provides an unforgettable experience for everyone. Today, the country is popular with medical tourists who travel here for top quality elective surgery and dentistry. The healthcare system is world-renowned and beyond impressive, with highly qualified doctors and staff who work in ultra-modern hospitals and clinics. According to the WHO, Switzerland’s public health services system is one of the most effective in the world. A full range of advanced medicine and technology are available here, from heart surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, to oncology. 

Popular Cities and Regions in Switzerland

Most medical tourists travel to Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland. Here, tourists can walk around the historic town center that is brimming with churches, cobblestone streets, medieval clock towers, and well-preserved sandstone homes. The main attractions in this city are Zentrum Paul Klee and Kunstmuseum. Besides Bern, Zürich is a famous destination for medical tourists. Set on the beautiful Zurich Lake, this city offers many amazing medical centers and tourist attractions. It’s a culturally vibrant city that is recognized as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Tourists are welcome to visit Fraumüster, explore Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, and admire art at Kunsthaus. Along with Bern and Zürich, Geneva is also popular. It has the world’s largest fountain, a historic city center, and spectacular views of Lake Geneva.

Transport in Switzerland

Zurich Airport is the main gateway to Switzerland. It serves regular scheduled and charter flights to and from numerous cities in Europe, North America, and Asia. Public transport in the country is comprehensive. Trains are comfortable and scenic, and buses take over where the rails run out. Taxis and Uber are available to travel inside cities.

Visas in Switzerland

As a part of the Schengen Agreement, Switzerland allows citizens of 62 countries, including Australia and the US, to stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Nationals of most other countries are required to have a Schengen visa to enter the country. 

Weather in Switzerland

Winter (November – March) is cold and snowy, with an average temperature of 5 to 10°C in Zurich. It’s a popular time for tourists who want to ski. Spring (April – June) has warmer weather, although some areas still experience snowfall. Summer (July – August) brings perfect and warm weather, with an average temperature of 27°C. Autumn (September – October) is still warm but the days are becoming shorter.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF is equivalent to 1.04 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily and major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted. Tipping is not necessary. 
3. Local Language: Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Most of the population speaks excellent English, especially those in major cities. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: The predominant religion is Christianity, which has been present in the country since the Roman Era. The country guarantees full freedom of religion, and Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, as well as other religions are practiced by a small portion of the population. 
5. Public Holidays: Switzerland has several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Berchtold's Day, Corpus Christi, Immaculate Conception Day, and Christmas Day.