Restrictions on new HIV self-tests
12.12.2018
Translation: machine translated
Since June 2018, home HIV self-tests have been officially authorised. We have them in stock, and they are cheap, anonymous, reliable and quick. But they are not always the best choice.
There are many situations requiring HIV testing: you've been with someone for a while and have decided to give up protected sex; the condom broke during sex; you forgot to protect yourself.
At our store, you can buy an HIV self-test. However, it may be unsuitable depending on the situation. It's all a question of speed, because depending on how quickly you want to receive the results, the choice of screening test is crucial. In short, the higher the risk of infection, the more reactive you'll need to be.
If you fear you may have been infected with HIV after a risky situation, go and see a doctor immediately or go to a counselling and testing centre without delay.
Reliability and speed: rapid test and laboratory test
Until mid-2018, there were two types of screening test
The rapid HIV test, offered in advice and screening centres located in towns and cities and in specialist doctors' surgeries. Very quick (around 20 minutes), the test is often carried out during the consultation. It involves a combination of tests that detect both antibodies and components of the virus. A combined HIV test does not give the first results until two weeks later. If HIV is in the blood, it will then be detected. But HIV infection cannot be ruled out with certainty until six weeks after the risk situation. In other words, if you test negative after two weeks, you must, for a result that removes any uncertainty, repeat the test after six weeks.
The laboratory test can be requested from a doctor and a counselling centre, and is carried out under the eye of a professional. If you have seroconverted, you will know from the second week at the earliest. To be sure you're HIV-negative, you'll have to wait six weeks. Basically, the laboratory test goes just as quickly as the rapid test itself. The blood sample must be sent by post to a laboratory, which will carry out the analysis and return the result. This process takes a few extra days.
The Swiss AIDS Federation maintains an up-to-date list of counselling and testing centres.
Reliability, but certainty after just three months HIV self-test
There is now a low-threshold device: the home HIV self-test. Officially called a "screening test for personal use" in the jargon, this test has been officially authorised for sale since 19 June 2018 on the recommendation of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
It is advisable to obtain the test from a pharmacy or drugstore in order to obtain some advice and avoid counterfeits. The test must carry the CE mark. Our range naturally includes self-tests from various manufacturers, all of which are CE certified.
In contrast to rapid tests and laboratory tests, self-tests focus solely on antibodies and not on the components of the virus. Self-tests are therefore slower than rapid tests and laboratory tests! Some self-tests can give a positive result just a few weeks after infection. In the case of the Insti test, a positive result can be obtained within 22 days. If anti-HIV antibodies are present in the blood, they will be detected. To be sure of a negative result with a self-test, a window of three months after the high-risk intercourse is necessary.
Simple use
All HIV self-tests are simple to use, thanks to the illustrated instructions, and reliable. All you have to do is pierce your finger, take a drop of blood and place it on the test. The self-tests give a result in 20 minutes and are highly reliable.
In addition, they are so sensitive that a false positive can occur. For example, the Mepha test can detect HIV infection after three months with 100% reliability. However, if the test is positive for HIV, the reliability rate is only 99.8%. In other words, 2 out of 1000 healthy users obtain a result indicating that they have been infected.
If the self-test comes back positive for the virus, go to the doctor immediately or seek help from a professional advice centre!
If the self-test is negative three months after the high-risk intercourse, you have not been infected with the virus. But be careful not to draw the wrong conclusions! This does not mean that your sexual partner is HIV-negative too. You may not have been infected the last time you had sex. To be sure, both partners need to be tested.
Is this clear? If you have any doubts or questions, seek professional help!
To go out covered:
Further information
- Swiss AIDS Aid
- Official FOPH information on HIV testing for personal use
- HIV testing for personal use: questions and answers drawn up by the FOPH
Aurel Stevens
Chief Editor
aurel.stevens@digitecgalaxus.chI'm the master tamer at the flea circus that is the editorial team, a nine-to-five writer and 24/7 dad. Technology, computers and hi-fi make me tick. On top of that, I’m a rain-or-shine cyclist and generally in a good mood.
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