1,200 m2
Our analytical portfolio is constantly growing with over 70 methods for biomarker analysis today. Through continuous improvements in terms of throughput and capacities ABF is able to analyze 100,000+ samples per year.
40+ years of experience
Experience History
The laboratory was founded in 1980 under the leadership of the then director, Prof. Helmut Schievelbein. A main area of the lab work was the determination of biomarkers such as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) as well as nicotine and nicotine metabolites in body fluids. From 1984 to 1988, Prof. Franz Adlkofer was head of the laboratory.
Since mid of 1988, Professor Dr. Gerhard Scherer is head and general manager of the laboratory. The main area of research focused on assessing the dose and early biological effects of active smoking and passive smoking (exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)) by both air monitoring and biomonitoring techniques. Simultaneously, the exposure to other sources (diet, work-place, environment) was assessed.
With the beginning of 2002, ABF GmbH Analytisch-biologisches Forschungslabor is an independent contract laboratory. Our services are of particular interest for both the industry and governmental agencies. With our expertise in toxicity testing and human biomonitoring we are able to deliver important data in exposure assessment and product testing for our clients.
Quality standards
ABF is accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 since 2004. All analytical methods are fully validated according to ICH M10 FDA Guidlines on Bioanalytical Method Validation and Study Sample Analysis, a comprehensive list of flexible accredited methods can be found here. The bioanalytical methods are routinely run in compliance with the principles of GLP and GCP. Furthermore, the aspects of GCLP, as summarized in the EMA Reflection Paper, were taken into account in our laboratory procedures.
Our QM system is routinely audited internally as well as by external bodies such as the DAkkS, LGL or on the Sponsor's behalf. Our biomarker data were used to support numerous submissions to regulatory agencies.
ABF participates on a regular basis on external proficiency testing programmes. ABF was appointed as reference laboratory for numerous analytes by the “German External Quality Assessment Scheme” (GEQUAS).
What's new?
In the area of human biomonitoring, we expanded our portfolio by adding three new methods in the year 2024 alone. We continue to enlarge our HBM toolbox for various compound classes like pesticides, phthalates and emerging chemicals. On top of that, we developed non-targeted methods to decipher the exposome in urine, plasma and exhaled breath.
You can find more details in our recent publications:
Director / Test Facility Management
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Scherer
Chemist/Biochemist, Toxicologist, PhD
General Manager / Test Facility Management
Dr. Max Scherer
Chemist, PhD
Technical Director / Principal Investigator
Dr. Nikola Pluym
Chemist, PhD
All our staff has an academic background and is specialized in (bio)-analytical chemistry. Our team consists of medicinal chemists, food chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers with long-lasting expertise in handling of various biological specimens, MS-based analytical techniques, and data processing/evaluation. Our staff is regularly trained in new analytical techniques and up to date in terms of regulatory requirements.
Laboratory Head / Principal Investigator
Dr. Therese Burkhardt
Analytical Chemist, PhD
Quality Assurance
Christine Hauser
Engineer
Quality Assurance
Dr. Carolin Diepenbruck
Biologist, PhD
Senior Scientist / Quality Management
Kirsten Riedel
Chemist (Dipl.)
Laboratory Analyst
Janina Mütze
Chemical Engineer
Laboratory Analyst
Carmen Tiwald
Pharmaceutical Scientist
Laboratory Analyst
Veronika Spindler
Food Chemist
Laboratory Analyst
Johanna Kugele
Food Chemist
Laboratory Analyst
Marta Latawiec
Chemical Engineer
Laboratory Analyst
Michael Sprenzel
Chemist, B.Sc.
Laboratory Analyst
Richard Kanis
Chemical Engineer
Head of Accounting
Sylvia Kainz
PhD Student
Simona Balherr
PhD Student