🏠 Test at home
The HIV self-test can be carried out discreetly at home
⏱️ Fast result
The result is usually available after 15-30 minutes.
📅 Note the time window
A reliable result is only possible after the recommended distance to the risk contact.
🧪 Confirm reactive result
Reactive or unclear results must be confirmed by a further test in practice.
What is an HIV self-test and how does it work?
An HIV self-test is a medically authorised rapid test that you can carry out yourself at home. You usually take a drop of blood from your fingertip with a small lancet and place it on the test field. You can read the result after 15-30 minutes.
The application is simple: read the instructions, follow them step by step, work calmly and cleanly - that's how you get a reliable result.
At what point is the HIV self-test meaningful?
The HIV self-test recognises antibodies that your body produces after an infection. These are only formed over time - so timing is crucial.
- Safely exclude you can only detect an infection after 12 weeks.
Studies show: Over 99 out of 100 tests reliably recognise an infection if it is detectable.
Using the HIV self-test correctly: Step by step
- Preparation: Read the instructions carefully and wash your hands thoroughly. Alcohol pads are usually included in the kit.
- Blood collection: Use the enclosed lancet to prick your fingertip and place a drop of blood on the test field.
- Perform test: Add the supplied solution and wait the specified time
- Read the result: Compare the test field with the instructions and read the result correctly.
Tip: Work calmly, with concentration and cleanly. This will help you avoid mistakes and achieve a reliable result.
Confirmation test
If your self-test shows a Positive or unclear reactive result, does not automatically mean that you are HIV-positive. The result must always be accompanied by a Laboratory test only this provides clear certainty.
Sources of supply and information
You can get the HIV self-test:
- in pharmacies: Regularly available, possible with counselling, discreet.
- online: from reputable suppliers with CE mark and German instructions.
- at counselling centres, AIDS service organisations or testing centres: partly free or cheap, with support and counselling.
If you can't afford the test financially, counselling centres can help with free or discounted offers
Frequently asked questions about the HIV self-test (FAQ)
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the HIV self-test - from how to use it to the right time to experience and sources of supply.
You take a drop of blood from your fingertip, place it on the test field and read your result after a certain time (see instructions). The exact instructions are included with every test. Important: Have every positive or unclear result confirmed in the laboratory. Only there will you know for sure whether you have an infection.
You will receive a reliable result at the earliest 12 weeks after a risk.
You can take the HIV self-test in Pharmacies, at reputable online shops and in Counselling centres or have it carried out. Look for a CE seal and instructions in German.
Stay calm and go to a test centre or practice. A laboratory test will confirm your result and you will receive advice on the next steps.
The Self-test is a Rapid test for at home, that you make yourself. Rapid tests is also available in surgeries or test centres, where it is carried out by specialists.
