Key points at a glance
🧪 Providing clarity
An HIV test shows whether a person is infected with HIV.
⏳ Please note the time
Depending on the test, it may take some time to obtain a definitive result following a potential exposure to HIV.
📍 Plenty of opportunities to try it out
HIV tests are available at AIDS support organisations, Checkpoints, public health centres, doctors’ surgeries and specialist HIV clinics.
🏠 Self-test at home
With an HIV self-test, you can also get tested at home.
What is an HIV test?
An HIV test determines whether a person has an HIV infection. Depending on the test, it either looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood or tests directly for the virus itself. After a potential exposure to HIV, some time must pass before an infection can be ruled out with certainty. How long this takes depends on the specific test. If an HIV test is positive, the result is confirmed with a second test. Treatment for HIV can then be started at an early stage.
HIV testing: When it is advisable
How often it is advisable to have an HIV test depends on your circumstances. A counselling session can help you decide on the right time to have the test and whether you should have regular tests.
- Following an HIV exposure: If you have been in a situation where you may have been at risk of HIV, you should get tested. This also applies if you have any symptoms that could indicate an HIV infection.
- For men who have sex with men: Deutsche Aidshilfe recommends getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections at least once a year.
- During pregnancy: Pregnant women should be offered an HIV test. If HIV is detected, transmission to the baby can be prevented.
- In the case of intravenous drug use: It is important to clarify how often it is advisable to get tested for HIV and hepatitis C. Counselling is available, for example, at drug advice centres, substitution clinics and checkpoints. Safer use protects against infection.
- In the case of HIV PrEP: An HIV test is required before starting the programme, four weeks after it begins, and every three months thereafter.
Why it’s a good idea to get an HIV test
An HIV test can give you peace of mind and make it easier to take important decisions. If the result is negative, you can further tailor your protection to your situation through safer sex and safer use. This includes, for example, condoms, treatment-based protection or HIV PrEP.
If the HIV test is positive, HIV treatment can be started at an early stage. With effective treatment, there is a good chance of a normal life expectancy and a good quality of life. Furthermore, HIV can no longer be transmitted through sex if the treatment is working effectively.
An overview of HIV tests
There are various methods for HIV testing. Many tests look for antibodies to HIV in the blood. These include rapid tests, self-tests and post-by-post tests. Antibodies are usually detectable after six weeks, and at the latest after twelve weeks.
If an HIV test produces a positive result, it is verified using a second, different test. This is important because, in rare cases, a test may produce a positive result even though there is no HIV infection.
In addition, there are tests that detect HIV directly. These include the PCR test. It is used, amongst other things, to monitor HIV treatment and as a confirmatory test.
HIV test: Where you can get tested
There are various places where you can get an HIV test. Depending on what matters most to you, you can get tested anonymously, visit a GP’s surgery or carry out a self-test at home.
- AIDS support organisations, checkpoints and public health authorities: Anonymous HIV tests with counselling are available there. Depending on the centre, the cost may range from 10 to 26 euros.
- HIV-specialist practices and other medical practices: You can also get an HIV test there. Clinics specialising in HIV employ doctors with particular expertise in all aspects of HIV.
- HIV self-test: You can carry out the test yourself at home. The result will be displayed after a few minutes. Prices start at around 20 euros.
Frequently asked questions
What does an HIV test show?
An HIV test shows whether you have an HIV infection. The only way to determine your HIV status with certainty is to have an HIV test.
When should I get an HIV test?
It is advisable to have a test following a situation where there may have been a risk of HIV exposure, or if you have symptoms that could indicate an HIV infection. Regular testing is also recommended for certain groups.
What types of HIV tests are available?
There are laboratory tests, rapid tests, self-tests and tests to be sent in. Many of these tests look for antibodies to HIV. In addition, there are PCR tests that detect HIV directly.
Where can I get tested for HIV?
HIV tests are available from organisations such as AIDS support groups, Checkpoints, public health authorities, doctors’ surgeries and specialist HIV clinics, amongst others. You can also test yourself at home using an HIV self-test.
What happens if you test positive for HIV?
A positive test result is confirmed by a second, different test. If an HIV infection is diagnosed, treatment can be started at an early stage.
