An HIV self-test offers the opportunity to test yourself for HIV test, for example at home. Some people also call this an HIV home test.
The self-test is available on the Internet or in shops, for example in pharmacies or drugstores.
You can only find out whether you are HIV-positive with a HIV test find out. A few drops of blood are taken from the fingertip and transferred to the test.
Good HIV self-tests are easy to use and therefore also suitable for non-professionals. These are currently the "Autotest VIH", "INSTI" and the "Exacto"self-test.
After a few minutes you will receive the result of the test.
What are the advantages of the HIV test at home?
HIV home tests are suitable for all people who want to find out whether they are HIV-positive - as a matter of routine or after a specific HIV risk.
Here we explain, how HIV is transmitted in the first place.
Many people like to use the HIV self-test, for example because they don't want to travel to a test centre for a routine check-up.
For some users, testing at home is more convenient. Deutsche Aidshilfe recommends that gay men test themselves for HIV once a year. The HIV self-test is an additional option for regular routine testing.
The right time to test
An HIV self-test does not directly detect the HI virus but looks for corresponding antibodies, which the body only forms some time after the HIV infection.
Therefore, it is only possible to start the HIV transmission to rule out with certainty that you have been infected with HIV. However, a positive result can occur earlier.
Are HIV self-tests reliable?
It all depends on the right test.
Some self-tests are very reliable. These currently include the "Autotest VIH", "INSTI" and the "Exacto" self-test.
It can rarely happen that a test "overreacts", i.e. shows a positive result, even though there is no HIV infection. Therefore, a positive test result must always be confirmed by a further test in the laboratory.
Good and reliable HIV self-tests should be sensitive to approximately 100%, i.e. they must not "miss" any HIV infection.
Only tests that:
- have the CE mark of the European Union,
- designed for use by laypersons and
- are authorised in Europe.
The "Autotest VIH", "INSTI" and "Exacto" tests mentioned above fulfil these criteria.
Test for HIV once a year
Where can I get an HIV self-test?
HIV self-tests can be ordered online or purchased in shops, for example in pharmacies or drugstores.
How do I find counselling?
At the HIV test On-site, people receive detailed counselling during the test. Trained counsellors answer questions about the test, possible HIV transmission routes and the result. This counselling is not available for HIV self-tests.
However, people who take the HIV test at home can turn to the anonymous counselling services offered by Deutsche Aidshilfe. In addition to a Online and telephone counselling is also available via live chat for gay men. All questions about HIV, the test and gay sexuality can be asked there.
Of course you can also continue to get tested for HIV at AIDS service centres, health authorities, testing projects or by doctors and use the counselling services offered there.
