HIV test
What is HIV?
HIV. Three letters that can evoke a multitude of memories and fears. But the images of HIV infections and AIDS have changed. The good news is that what used to be a fatal disease has become a treatable infection. HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the human immune system. Hence the name human immunodeficiency virus.
We dispel prejudices and stigmas and give you a few hard facts about HIV:
- HIV is not AIDS (erroneously, “HIV tests” are often called “AIDS tests”)
- HIV medication prevents the onset of AIDS
- A good life with almost normal life expectancy is possible with HIV therapy
- People with an HIV infection and an undetectable viral load under therapy cannot transmit the virus sexually
What are the symptoms of HIV?
There are symptoms that may indicate an HIV infection:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Skin rash
- Tiredness and listlessness
After a short time, these symptoms subside and a longer symptom-free period follows. But it is precisely during this time that the HI virus weakens the body. It is therefore essential that you speak to a doctor if you have symptoms.
Sex is beautiful and it should stay that way! That's why we at s.a.m health have made it our mission to give you more security on a regular basis when you're having sex. With our STI test kit, you can easily get tested for HIV from home.
Why should I get tested for HIV?
Especially if you enjoy an exciting love life with different partners, it is important that you get tested for HIV regularly. We recommend a regular HIV test at:
- Unprotected sex
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Intravenous drug use
- Pregnant people
- HIV-PreP users
Where can I get tested for HIV?
Medical practice
If symptoms are present, the costs are usually covered by health insurance. However, the visit to a doctor is not anonymous and the test result will be included in your medical file.
Health authorities and AIDS service organizations
You can find these in many larger cities and municipalities and, of course, in almost every major city. The offers are not always free of charge and usually range from €10. to €30. It is best to find out about the offer and the possible costs on the respective website.
HIV rapid test at home
This can usually be read at home 30 minutes after taking the blood sample. But be careful: mistakes can be made here when the test is carried out and read by non-professionals. Make sure you read the instructions beforehand. Most rapid tests are only meaningful 12 weeks after a risk of transmission.
s.a.m health test
With us, you can do your test at home and send your samples to a laboratory. Before your first test kit, you will receive an explanation of how to use it from medically trained personnel by telephone. Your samples are analyzed in the laboratory according to the latest standards. If the result is positive or reactive, we will be there for you and tell you what to do next.
When is HIV detectable?
For a reliable result from an HIV test in the laboratory, the risk situation should have occurred at least six weeks ago (diagnostic window). For rapid HIV tests, it is even at least twelve weeks.
What types of HIV tests are there?
Antibody test
Here your blood is tested to see whether it has formed antibodies against the HI virus. However, the test only works reliably 12 weeks after a risk contact.
HIV-PCR-test
This test allows the detection of HI viruses directly in the blood. It is normally used in ongoing HIV therapy.
Antigen antibody test
It is considered the standard test in German laboratories. We also work with this test at s.a.m health. The blood is analyzed for the presence of the HI virus and reliable results can be obtained 6 weeks after the risk contact.
What should I do if I test positive for HIV?
Don’t panic – we’re here for you. First of all, it is important to know that a distinction is made between a reactive and a positive result. A reactive test result is scary at first, but basically just means that a test indicates the presence of the virus.
However, this must first be confirmed by a second laboratory test.
If the result is positive, our counselors will help you find an HIV specialist practice. Thanks to therapies, you can continue to have a fulfilling sex life with HIV.
Uncomplicated and without intrusive questions of why I need the test. Easy to use and reliable results after a short time. Thank you so much for offering something like this!Survey Monkey