What We Investigate

The following core investigations are carried out in the first year of life:

• Collection of umbilical cord blood and nappy urine from the newborn
• Collection of environmental ambient air
• Lung function test
• Nasal swab
• Allergy skin test on the mother
• Questionnaire and telephone interviews

At the age of 6 years and 12 years - and if you live in Bern also 3, 9, 15 and 18 years - a visit to the hospital for repeat core investigations. These will be carried out in an age-appropriate manner.

• Lung function test
• Nasal and cheek swab
• Urine test
• Allergy skin test on child
• Questionnaire

If you live in Bern you will also be invited to attend the hospital for tests of longer duration. These are speicliased lung function measurements, additional swabs, a blood test and a lung MRI scan. You can choose whether to participate in none, any or all of these additional tests. We will discuss them with you and provide extra information at the due time.