The History of MVZ Ganzimmun GmbH - From Our Beginnings to the Present Day

On 1 October 1998, laboratory medicine specialist Dr. med. Ralf Kirkamm founded the GANZIMMUN Institute for Holistic Immunology and Naturopathy [GANZIMMUN Institut für ganzheitliche Immunologie und Naturheilverfahren AG] in Mainz-Bretzenheim together with three employees. The main focus was placed on immunological and microbiological diagnostics. In particular, microbiological stool analyses were in high demand among referring physicians and CAM practitioners. The analyses and interpretation of findings placed particular emphasis on taking a holistic view of the patient.

With a team of 24 employees, the laboratory expanded its range of services in complementary medicine, covering allergy, hormone and immune diagnostics as well as molecular biology. The launch of the first nationwide professional training courses helped drive further growth.

With a team of 64 employees and almost 4,000 samples processed each month, the company reached new milestones at the beginning of the year: establishing a marketing department and a nationwide field sales team. This led to the launch of the first GANZIMMUN website and the creation of numerous marketing materials for medical practices. On the analytical side, vitamin and trace element diagnostics were added, along with oxidative stress testing.

Our highly dedicated and service-oriented team of 110 employees was expanded to include a nutritional counselling service. Professional training programmes and marketing activities were intensified. In summer 2004, the company unveiled a new look and an innovative new name:

GANZIMMUN Labor für Funktionelle Medizin AG

Having established a comprehensive range of complementary medicine services, the company now decided to expand its standard diagnostic services. This included the installation of one of Siemens Healthcare’s first automated laboratory systems in Germany. As the number of samples submitted by statutory health insurance (SHI) practices in the region increased significantly, a sample collection service was established, initially comprising four routes and eight drivers. GANZIMMUN’s expansion was not limited to the region, however; it also expanded internationally.

This was also reflected in the company’s new name:

GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH

The GANZIMMUN Academy was established to showcase the innovative range of services and provide continuing education for physicians and therapists. With the addition of its own film studio, the company was able to offer its first certified online training programmes with an international reach alongside its established face-to-face courses.

In May 2010, the laboratory received DAkks accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 15189:2007. In 2013, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH was also accredited as a testing laboratory in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for testing medicinal products and active substances, analyses in accordance with the German Drinking Water Ordinance, and the sampling of pipe and drinking water. A specialised portfolio was also developed for dental professionals. As an innovative service tool, the electronic laboratory management system 2D-connect® was introduced to enable the digital processing of laboratory requests.

On 1 October 2018, laboratory medicine specialist Dr. med. Patrik Zickgraf assumed leadership of the laboratory with its 320 employees. The transportation service in the Rhine-Main region grew to more than 16 routes serving 200 to 300 practices per day. During this year, the number of laboratory requests exceeded 800,000.

Planning for the new building in Mainz-Lerchenberg began. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and the establishment of a COVID-19 testing centre, which remained in operation until January 2023.

The new building for GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH in Mainz-Lerchenberg was constructed under the supervision of Karrié Projektentwicklung GmbH & Co. KG. "Unfortunately, the premises in Mainz-Bretzenheim became much too small for us over the years. Now with 7000 m² for laboratories, offices and medical practices, we will have enough space to design the future. We expect to be able to occupy the new building in the second quarter of 2023," explained Dr. Patrik Zickgraf, the Medical Director of GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH.

GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH, which had previously been based in Mainz-Bretzenheim, is expanding, with a new site under construction in Mainz-Lerchenberg. Following the laying of the foundation stone in July 2022, the topping-out ceremony marked another milestone in the project. Completion was scheduled for 2024.

As of 1 January 2025, the new laboratory, office, and clinical facilities at Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 3 in Mainz-Lerchenberg have been officially occupied. Spanning 7,900 m² of usable floor space across three levels, the premises now house laboratory areas twice the previous size, outfitted with numerous state-of-the-art analytical systems – including a 20-metre-long automation line. The company’s workforce, which now exceeds 430 employees, benefits from the modern infrastructure and the ample parking available in both the underground garage and the inner courtyard.

Designed and constructed as a KfW Efficiency House 55 with a photovoltaic system, the new building meets all standards for sustainable, energy- and resource-efficient architecture. Its favourable transport links – via the “Mainzelbahn” tram line, bus routes 71 and 630, as well as connections to the regional cycling network and the A60 motorway – ensure optimal accessibility.