HIV rapid test
With an HIV test from the pharmacy, you can check if you have contracted HIV. The test can be discreetly carried out at home.
HIV rapid test – discreet testing at home
An HIV test helps to detect HIV early and start treatment in good time.
Prompt treatment can positively influence the course of the illness and prevent new infections. Furthermore, with the right therapy, HIV-positive individuals cannot transmit the virus.
What an HIV rapid test detects – and what is meant by „AIDS test“
Many people are looking for an „AIDS test from the chemist's“. However, AIDS is not a separate infection, but can develop as a result of untreated HIV infection.
Medically speaking, this “AIDS Test” is therefore an HIV test, which checks for indications of an HIV infection.
An HIV self-test for home use is an antibody test. It examines a small blood sample from the fingertip for antibodies against HIV. However, the body only forms antibodies after a certain period, which is why not only correct usage is crucial, but also the right timing of the test.
Important: The HIV rapid test does not replace a medical diagnosis. However, it can help you take an important first step and better interpret your test result.
HIV rapid test discreetly and safely available
At the Johann Strauss Pharmacy in Vienna, you can obtain a self-test for HIV to use in the privacy of your own home. If you have any questions regarding its selection, use, or interpretation, we will provide you with personal and respectful advice.
We know: An HIV test can be a sensitive subject. Perhaps there was a contact that put you at risk, perhaps you simply want to gain clarity, or you regularly keep an eye on your sexual health. You don't need to justify yourself for this.
Here you can receive information and advice without judgment, in an environment where your questions are taken seriously. Alternatively, you can also purchase the test in our online shop.
HIV self-test by ratiopharm
You can the autotest VIH® Buy ratiopharm at Johann Strauss Apotheke.
- Recipe: available over the counter
- Costs 31 Euros
- Type of test: Antibody test
- ProcedureOnly one drop of blood from the fingertip is needed.
- Duration: The test takes about 5 minutes, and the result is available after just 15 minutes.
- Meaningful12 weeks after the risk contact.
- What to do with a positive result: Have the results verified by a confirmation test in the laboratory.
When is an HIV self-test reliable?
An HIV rapid test for home use can reliably exclude an HIV infection only when the last possible contact with risk is at least twelve weeks ago.
This period is also called the diagnostic window. In this phase, a negative test result does not yet reliably mean that there is no HIV infection.
If you have experienced any HIV risk in the past twelve weeks, an HIV self-test is therefore not the appropriate sole diagnostic tool. In this case, an HIV antigen-antibody test in a laboratory or at a medical facility may be advisable.
If you're unsure, it's a good idea to seek advice. Aidshilfe Wien, doctors, and specialised testing centres can help you choose a suitable testing method. You can also get further information and individual advice there.
1. Note before the test
Read the package leaflet in its entirety before use. Also, check that the test kit is undamaged and has not passed its expiry date. Store the test according to the manufacturer's instructions.
An HIV rapid test should be performed in a calm situation. Plan enough time so that you can follow the individual steps without rushing. Have a timer ready if it is needed according to the instructions.
2. Execution and waiting time
The precise execution depends on the specific test kit. When autotest VIH® the fingertip is pricked with the enclosed lancet.
The blood droplet is absorbed with the test material and combined with the buffer solution. The result can be read after the specified waiting time.
The control line is important: it shows that the test has worked correctly. If this line is missing, the result is invalid. In this case, a new test should be carried out or a testing centre contacted.
1. Negative result
A negative test result is conclusive if the last possible HIV risk contact was at least twelve weeks ago and the test was performed correctly. If a possible contact was less than three months ago, the result should not be taken as a definitive all-clear.
Then it may be sensible to repeat the self-test after the twelve weeks have passed or to have a laboratory HIV test carried out. If you have acute symptoms or concerns, you should not wait, but seek medical advice promptly.
2. Reactive Outcome
A reactive result (two lines visible) indicates that the self-test shows signs of HIV antibodies. It is not yet a diagnosis, as false reactive results can also occur. Therefore, a reactive HIV self-test must always be confirmed by a further HIV test in a laboratory.
You do not have to cope with a reactive result alone. Contact a testing centre, a doctor or the Aids-Hilfe (HIV/AIDS support organisation) in your federal state. There you will receive personal advice and support for the next steps.
3. Invalid result
If the control line is missing, the test may not have been performed correctly, or the test kit may not be functioning properly. In this case, use a new test and follow the instructions carefully.
Alternatively, an HIV test at a laboratory, from a doctor or at a testing centre can provide clarity.
HIV-Test und diskrete Unterstützung bei Fragen
If you buy the HIV test yourself at the pharmacy, you have the opportunity to ask questions beforehand if needed.
Perhaps you want to know if the test is suitable for your situation. Perhaps you are unsure about how to apply it or want to understand what a result means.
At the Johann Strauss Pharmacy, we take sexual health questions seriously. Our advice is aimed at all customers – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, relationship type, or life circumstances.
You decide for yourself how much you want to disclose. For a general explanation of the application or significance of an HIV self-test, often only a little information is sufficient.
You are also welcome to contact us by phone or WhatsApp if you have any questions regarding availability, application, or significance.
HIV rapid test, laboratory test or PCR test: Which method is right?
A HIV self-test (Antibody test) is mainly suitable when the last risk contact was at least twelve weeks ago and you wish to carry out the test discreetly at home. It can be a good option for checking your own status.
A HIV laboratory test is particularly suitable when contact was not long ago or a reactive self-test result needs to be confirmed. It is meaningful approximately 6 weeks after contact. A personal risk assessment can also be carried out at testing centres and by doctors.
A HIV PCR test can already be indicative of a risk earlier on (approx. 2 weeks). It is carried out directly from a blood sample in the laboratory and is particularly considered when early clarification is medically advisable.
Which method is the right one always depends on your individual situation. A self-test is no substitute for professional assessment after a very recent risk.
A consultation with a testing centre or doctor can help you to obtain the relevant information for your personal situation.
An HIV rapid test does not test for other sexually transmitted infections.
An HIV rapid test only shows indications of HIV. Other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B or hepatitis C are not detected by it.
Even without symptoms, a STI Test to be useful. Some infections cause no clear symptoms for a long time. Regular screenings can therefore be an important part of sexual health care – especially if you have changing sexual partners, after risky contact, or if you simply want peace of mind.
The Johann Strauss Pharmacy's main focus is HIV and STDs. For questions regarding suitable tests, prevention, PrEP, PEP We support you with clear information or further points of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HIV rapid tests reliable?
No rapid HIV test offers 100%ige certainty. False-positive results (HIV-negative samples that are incorrectly indicated as positive) are possible. Incorrect storage or an expired use-by date may affect the results. Therefore, a positive result should always be confirmed by laboratory tests.
How do I use a rapid HIV test correctly?
There are various self-tests available on the market. Please refer to the package leaflet for exact instructions on how to use them. We are happy to advise you in person on-site if you have any questions. Always ensure you wait the prescribed number of minutes before reading the test result.
What to do if the test result is reactive?
A reactive result shows two lines (control and test line), with the test line's intensity varying. As false-positive results can also occur, a rapid test alone is not sufficient. An additional HIV antigen-antibody test is recommended. If this test is positive, it indicates an HIV infection. In this case, please contact the AIDS help organisation in your federal state.
What does a negative test result mean?
A negative result is only reliable if there has been no HIV risk in the last 3 months and the test was performed correctly. Risks within the last 12 weeks are not detected by the rapid test. In this case, the test should be repeated after 12 weeks or an HIV antigen-antibody test should be performed.
How do I know if I have used the test correctly?
During the waiting period, a coloured control line must appear. If this is absent, the test was not applied correctly or is faulty. In such a case, the test should be repeated. Alternatively, an HIV antigen-antibody test can be used for clarification.
Support from AIDS Hilfe Wien & Doctors
The Aids Help Vienna offers a variety of HIV testing options, all of which are carried out anonymously.
Another possible place is Practising doctors.
Both will also advise you on a positive outcome and support you with the subsequent next steps.