The Center for Laboratory Medicine (ZLM) is a modern, high-performance laboratory accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and is one of the leading medical diagnostic laboratories in Switzerland. The ZLM guarantees comprehensive laboratory diagnostics, provides basic laboratory medical care as well as special analytics in the canton of St.Gallen for the hospitals, St.Gallen Psychiatry and the veterinary authorities, and provides laboratory medical services for other medical institutions in Switzerland and abroad. 230 dedicated employees are at work every day to provide a high-quality laboratory medical patient care. In this article, employees describe their daily routine and the associated benefits.
A liking for mathematics & science from an early age
Elvira Frajt had already developed her fondness for mathematics and natural sciences in elementary school. That's why she found her dream job by training as a biomedical analyst (BMA). "The work in the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory is very varied and includes various microbiological analyses in the field of general animal diseases, animal disease monitoring and control, as well as food and slaughter hygiene. I really appreciate the cooperation in the team and with the veterinarians," Elvira emphasizes.
"ZLM is an innovative, modern employer that supports our daily work with the latest technologies. It also offers numerous internal and external training opportunities, as well as challenging projects in which we can participate. There is also the possibility of internal job changes. Thus, after 6 years in Human Medical Microbiology, I transferred to Veterinary Diagnostics. Since I commute from Flawil to St. Fiden by train, the ZLM supports me with discounts for public transportation", Elvira explains.
Working at the ZLM
Dedicated, qualified and specialized staff perform routine and specialized analyses in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and veterinary diagnostics on a daily basis to ensure the best possible patient care. They arwork according to the latest laboratory analytical methods, automated processes, state of the art science and technology, supported by fully automated laboratory automation, high throughput automation up to artificial intelligence. Professionalism is emphasized and supported by ongoing education and training. The ZLM is certified as a continuing education center for BMA HF, academics FAMH, FMH and FVH.
The speed is crucial
The December 2022 TVO article shows how innovative the ZLM is in its work, based on technology and people. Samples arrive at the laboratory by pneumatic tube, courier or mail. They are read in electronically before high-throughput automation takes over in the Department of Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Immunology and delivers a rapid result without loss of precision. The blood values are an important basis for deciding on the treatment to be initiated, and speed is of the essence. Especially in emergency situations, speed is of the essence to get results as quickly as possible.
From civilian service to biomedical analyst
Between 2016 & 2017, Stephan Strecke had the opportunity to work in bacteriology at the ZLM for about eight months as part of a civilian service assignment. "I liked it so much and literally "pulled my sleeve in" that I stayed on as a laboratory employee for some time after the Zivi and finally decided to complete the training to become a Dipl. Biomedical Analyst HF," Stephan recounts.
Stephan explains what is special about working at the ZLM as follows: "As far as bacteriology is concerned, the focus is unmistakably on automation; compared to other laboratories, we have automated most of our processes - automatic preparation as well as incubation of agar plates, digital microscopy and AI-assisted reading of plates helps us in our daily work, which in turn frees up time for the complicated cases."
The deciding factor for learning this profession was his community service seven years ago. "Bacteriology offers an insight into an otherwise invisible but important microcosm of numerous bacteria and fungi - many of which are indispensable for us and some of which we would rather not have. The task of finding precisely these disease-causing microorganisms in the jungle of the body's diverse flora, tracking down their resistance mechanisms and thus contributing to the recovery of patients is what makes this profession so incredibly exciting every day," says Stephan.
"The sense of purpose is there every day, because we always give our best for the patients. True to the motto: What makes us tick - saves lives."
Anina Kühn, Senior BMA, Clinical Chemistry
At ZLM, I reconcile work and family life
"The ZLM is not only a cantonal employer, but also a secure and attractive one that offers us many advantages. On the one hand, the general conditions for cantonal employees are very good, such as the pension fund and the incentive allowances. On the other hand, we receive discounts at pharmacies, fitness, mobile and Ostwind subscriptions, to name but a few," says Anina Kühn. ZLM is also committed to equal pay for men and women, for which it has been certified. Another point in the laboratory's favor is the high proportion of women in management positions, which is above the national average for both cadre and top management.
"Working at ZLM is particularly attractive to me because we are close to the clinic, which brings interesting cases, we learn new things, and our work makes a valuable contribution to the health of the population. As a modern employer, ZLM allows us to balance family and career thanks to part-time work and childcare support," Anina emphasizes. She works part-time, has fixed working days and, as Head BMA Clinical Chemistry, can do one day of home office. This leads to a good family compatibility.
This article was written in collaboration with the Center for Laboratory Medicine.