STI Test
HIV
Blood Collection Set
Description
A suspicion of HIV infection is associated with many uncertainties. With our HIV test kit for home use, you have the possibility to easily and discreetly gain certainty. An HIV infection is often initially asymptomatic or leads to non-specific disease symptoms. Our HIV PCR test detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections and delivers reliable results shortly after infection.
Reasons to choose us
Testing procedure
Choose a test
Sampling
Send us your sample
Analysis
Result
Further information
When is an HIV test advisable?
An HIV PCR test is particularly advisable if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who has HIV or whom you suspect may have HIV. In addition, regular testing is recommended if you have multiple sexual partners and are sexually active. The test provides certainty as to whether an infection is present even before conventional antibody tests would provide clear results. An HIV PCR test is the right test if you have a specific suspicion of HIV infection!
If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
When are the pathogens detectable and when is a test reliable?
An HIV PCR test can detect the HI virus approximately 11 days after risky contact. This test detects the virus RNA directly, even before the body produces antibodies. Unlike an antibody test, a PCR test provides clear results early after infection and is the fastest method for detecting HIV. A positive PCR result should be confirmed by a second sample and a serological test. If the result is negative and there is concrete suspicion, a serological HIV test is recommended after 2-3 months.
How does a test for sexually transmitted diseases work?
1. Order your test kit, which will be delivered to your home free of charge. The packaging is neutral to protect your privacy.
2. Read the instructions carefully or watch the explanatory video.
3. Collect your sample in a familiar environment.
4. Place your sample in the enclosed sample protection bag and put everything in the addressed, prepaid and neutral return envelope.
5. Ideally, take the box to the post box on the same day.
6. The sample will be processed by our specialist staff immediately upon arrival at our laboratory and the result will be medically validated.
7. You will receive the result 3-4 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. As soon as the result is available, you will be notified by email. You can access the medical laboratory report directly.
8. If an infection has been detected, you will receive a recommendation from our doctors on how to proceed, as well as detailed information about the various treatment methods.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancer. It is estimated that around 88,400 people in Germany are infected with HIV, with approximately 2,400 new infections each year. An HIV infection can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a serious, life-threatening disease. The infection affects several organ systems, including the blood, lymphatic system and central nervous system.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is mainly transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. The main routes of transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, anal), which accounts for 85% of cases registered in Germany, sharing needles when using drugs (5%) and vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. The time between infection and the onset of the first symptoms can vary from a few weeks to several years.
What factors increase the risk of HIV infection?
- Unprotected sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal or anal sex)
- Intravenous drug use with shared needles
- Multiple sexual partners or partners with unknown HIV status
- Existing sexually transmitted diseases that damage the mucous membranes
- Blood transfusions in countries where HIV testing is not routinely performed
There are three stages of HIV infection, which can vary greatly and do not present a uniform clinical picture.
The acute stage is the first stage of infection, which occurs shortly after infection. This stage often progresses without noticeable symptoms or with non-specific complaints. However, a few days to weeks after infection, flu-like symptoms may occur in some of those affected.
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches and aching limbs
- Diarrhoea
As the infection progresses, the symptoms subside and this symptom-free phase can last for months or even years. The infection develops into chronic HIV infection, in which increasingly non-specific impairments to well-being can occur, such as changes to the skin or mucous membranes and gastrointestinal complaints.
AIDS
Without timely detection or treatment, HIV infection leads to AIDS in most cases. This disease is characterised by a severe impairment of the immune system, which increases susceptibility to diseases and infections. It is therefore crucial to detect HIV infection early and start appropriate therapy to prevent the development of AIDS and enable those affected to lead a normal life. Thanks to the use of effective antiviral therapies, many people infected with HIV no longer develop AIDS.
How do I receive my test result?
As soon as the test results are available, we will inform you via email. You can access the results immediately.
How quickly will I receive my test result?
The medical laboratory report will be ready for you 3-4 days after the sample arrives at the laboratory.
What does a negative test result mean?
No HIV was detected in the sample material you collected. Please note the connection between the time of infection and the time of testing. Under certain circumstances, it may be advisable to repeat the test after an appropriate period of 2-3 months.
What does a positive test result mean?
HI viruses have been detected in your sample. You should inform your sexual partners about the result of your test and seek medical advice. Our doctors will be happy to advise you on how to proceed.
How can HIV be treated?
A positive HIV test must be urgently clarified by a doctor. Treatment consists of a combination of antiretroviral drugs, also known as HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy). This therapy can minimise the viral load, but cannot completely eliminate the virus. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for quality of life and life expectancy.
Risk of infection with other pathogens
HIV infection significantly increases the risk of other infections and sexually transmitted diseases because the immune system is weakened. Co-infection with hepatitis B and C is particularly problematic because these can put additional strain on the liver. In addition, inflammatory changes in the genital area facilitate the transmission of other STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
When is an HIV test advisable?
An HIV PCR test is particularly advisable if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who has HIV or whom you suspect may have HIV. In addition, regular testing is recommended if you have multiple sexual partners and are sexually active. The test provides certainty as to whether an infection is present even before conventional antibody tests would provide clear results. An HIV PCR test is the right test if you have a specific suspicion of HIV infection!
If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
When are the pathogens detectable and when is a test reliable?
An HIV PCR test can detect the HI virus approximately 11 days after risky contact. This test detects the virus RNA directly, even before the body produces antibodies. Unlike an antibody test, a PCR test provides clear results early after infection and is the fastest method for detecting HIV. A positive PCR result should be confirmed by a second sample and a serological test. If the result is negative and there is concrete suspicion, a serological HIV test is recommended after 2-3 months.
How does a test for sexually transmitted diseases work?
1. Order your test kit, which will be delivered to your home free of charge. The packaging is neutral to protect your privacy.
2. Read the instructions carefully or watch the explanatory video.
3. Collect your sample in a familiar environment.
4. Place your sample in the enclosed sample protection bag and put everything in the addressed, prepaid and neutral return envelope.
5. Ideally, take the box to the post box on the same day.
6. The sample will be processed by our specialist staff immediately upon arrival at our laboratory and the result will be medically validated.
7. You will receive the result 3-4 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. As soon as the result is available, you will be notified by email. You can access the medical laboratory report directly.
8. If an infection has been detected, you will receive a recommendation from our doctors on how to proceed, as well as detailed information about the various treatment methods.
There are three stages of HIV infection, which can vary greatly and do not present a uniform clinical picture.
The acute stage is the first stage of infection, which occurs shortly after infection. This stage often progresses without noticeable symptoms or with non-specific complaints. However, a few days to weeks after infection, flu-like symptoms may occur in some of those affected.
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches and aching limbs
- Diarrhoea
As the infection progresses, the symptoms subside and this symptom-free phase can last for months or even years. The infection develops into chronic HIV infection, in which increasingly non-specific impairments to well-being can occur, such as changes to the skin or mucous membranes and gastrointestinal complaints.
AIDS
Without timely detection or treatment, HIV infection leads to AIDS in most cases. This disease is characterised by a severe impairment of the immune system, which increases susceptibility to diseases and infections. It is therefore crucial to detect HIV infection early and start appropriate therapy to prevent the development of AIDS and enable those affected to lead a normal life. Thanks to the use of effective antiviral therapies, many people infected with HIV no longer develop AIDS.