Product details
Mepha Autotest VIH for the determination of an HIV infection (1 piece)
This testing method – also known as an HIV home test – can be performed by anyone at home and has been available without a prescription in Switzerland since 2018. Similar to a blood glucose test, it requires a drop of blood, which is tested for antibodies against the HIV virus. These HIV self-tests yield a reliable result only if the risk situation occurred more than three months ago. If the time span is shorter than three months, a laboratory test must be conducted. If a positive result is obtained from an HIV self-test, a confirmation test must be performed at a testing center or by a doctor. It is important to ensure that the purchased HIV self-test bears a CE certification. With the CE certification, the manufacturer declares that their product is reliable and safe to use. HIV self-tests with CE certification are available in pharmacies and drugstores. There are also HIV self-tests available online, but caution is advised, as counterfeit products or tests that are not CE certified may be offered. Therefore, Aids-Hilfe Schweiz recommends purchasing a self-test at a pharmacy or drugstore.
Application
The autotest VIH® from Mepha is an HIV self-test or HIV home test and is available without a prescription. The autotest VIH® can detect an HIV infection if the risk contact occurred at least three months ago. The test is easy to perform, quick, and anonymous.
- Only a small amount of blood of 2.5 μl (a drop from the fingertip) is needed.
- Simple collection of the blood sample directly into the test tube.
- Press the test tube into the buffer solution with 3 clicks, and the test runs.
- Within one minute, a pink spot appears, indicating that the test has started.