Key points at a glance
🕒 Please note: 12 weeks
An HIV infection can only be reliably ruled out using a self-test twelve weeks after a possible exposure to HIV.
🧪 Have a positive result confirmed
If the self-test is positive, the result must be confirmed by another HIV test carried out in a laboratory.
🛒 Self-tests are readily available
You can get HIV self-tests, for example, from AIDS support organisations, online, and in pharmacies and chemists (check for the CE mark).
💬 Anonymous counselling
If you have any questions about HIV risks or self-testing, the Aidshilfen organisations offer anonymous and free advice – in person, by telephone or online.
How the HIV self-test works
An HIV self-test, also known as an at-home HIV test, is an HIV test that you can easily carry out yourself, for example at home. With most tests, a small amount of blood is taken from your fingertip and placed into a test kit. The result is displayed after about a quarter of an hour.
Like other standard testing methods, the HIV self-test does not directly detect HIV, but rather antibodies against the virus. These antibodies only develop after a certain amount of time. For this reason, an HIV self-test can only reliably rule out an infection twelve weeks after a possible HIV transmission. An „HIV-negative“ result is therefore only reliable after twelve weeks. The test can often detect an existing HIV infection earlier than this.
Where can I get an HIV self-test?
You can buy HIV self-tests, for example, in pharmacies, chemists or online. It is important that the self-test meets the following requirements:
- bearing the CE mark
- designed for use by the general public
- authorised in Europe and available in Germany
- with instructions in German
The products that have been tested in this way include the Autotest VIH, the INSTI HIV Self-Test, the Newfoundland HIV Test and the OraQuick HIV self-test.
What should you do if your HIV self-test comes back positive?
HIV self-tests are highly sensitive and can sometimes produce a positive result even though there is no HIV infection. A positive result must therefore always be confirmed by a laboratory test.
This confirmatory test can be carried out by doctors, at a public health centre, directly at a laboratory or at an Aidshilfen checkpoint. Only if this test also comes back positive can an HIV infection be confirmed.
Anonymous counselling
If an HIV self-test comes back positive, you’ll initially be left to deal with the result on your own and won’t be able to talk to anyone about it straight away. The AIDS support organisations therefore offer various counselling options:
- personal advice
- telephone advice
- Online advice
The counselling service can be used anonymously.
Who is the HIV self-test suitable for?
The HIV self-test is suitable for people who wish to check whether they have HIV without having to visit a doctor’s surgery or testing centre. Reasons for this may include a desire for discretion or the lack of a suitable testing centre nearby. The self-test therefore also offers a testing option for people who have previously been reluctant to get tested or who wish to avoid travelling long distances.
If you experience any problems with an HIV self-test, a reporting form provided by the Paul Ehrlich Institute is available. The Institute is responsible for the safety of self-tests and forwards relevant reports to the manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
At what point does an HIV self-test become reliable?
An HIV self-test can reliably rule out HIV infection twelve weeks after a potential exposure to HIV. Only then can a negative result be considered reliable. The test can often detect an existing HIV infection even earlier.
Where can I buy an HIV self-test?
You can get HIV self-tests from pharmacies, chemists or online, for example. It is important that the test bears the CE mark, has been designed for use by the general public, is authorised in Europe and comes with instructions in German.
What should I do if my HIV self-test is positive?
A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have HIV. The self-test must be confirmed by a laboratory test. This can be carried out by a doctor, at a public health centre, directly at a laboratory, or at an Aidshilfen checkpoint.
How soon will I get the result?
The result will be displayed after about a quarter of an hour.
