Are you experiencing symptoms similar to the flu such as fever, general malaise, or skin rash? These may be the early signs of HIV. Later on, you may also experience fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. With the HIV self-test from The Tester, you can test yourself for HIV. Our HIV self-test features include:

Reliability (CE-certified)
Anonymous
Easy to use
Instant results
Orders placed on weekdays will be delivered the next day

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and over time, it decreases the body's ability to fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but with proper medical treatment, HIV can be controlled to a non-life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can make the life expectancy for someone with HIV similar to that of someone without HIV.

HIV can be transmitted through certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, including blood, breast milk, semen, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids. Transmission can occur if these fluids come into contact with a mucous membrane (in the rectum, vagina, penis, or mouth) or damaged tissue, or are directly injected into the bloodstream (with a needle or syringe). HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. The risk of HIV is high in:

Unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status is unknown.
Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with multiple partners.
Using non-sterile needles or injection needles.

The HIV self-test is an immunochromatographic, rapid in-vitro diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) in whole blood. It is intended for use by untrained users in a private setting as a self-test to assist in the diagnosis of infection with HIV-1 and HIV-2 using a finger prick. The device requires a sample size of 10 μl.

Discrete shipment

The test will be shipped in a discreet package after ordering. After receiving the test package, you can perform the test yourself using a clear instruction manual. Then you can read the result within minutes.

If you are interested in additional information, such as the reliability of the HIV self-test, you can find this information below under the headings “Reliability”, “Window phase HIV”, “Results” and/or “Content of the test”.

Click here to find our entire product range.

Reliability

What is the accuracy of the HIV 1 & 2 self-test?

Looking at sensitivity and specificity, the reliability values of the HIV test are very high. In addition, the test is also IVD certified.

The sensitivity of a medical test is the percentage of correctly positive results among people who are sick.
Sensitivity = 99.3%

The specificity of a test is the percentage of correctly negative results among people who are not sick.
Specificity = 99.7%

Overall accuracy = 99.6% with respect to the laboratory standard test

Window-phase HIV

After being exposed to HIV, it can take 6 to 12 weeks for the body to produce the antibodies that are detected by this test. This period is called the 'window-phase'. If you take an HIV self-test during the window-phase, it is possible that you will receive a falsely negative test result. If you think you have been recently exposed to HIV, it is recommended that you re-test after the window-phase has passed.

However, it should be noted that sometimes it can take up to 3 months for HIV antibodies to be detectable in the blood. Therefore, it is recommended to retest for possible infection after 3 months.

Result

The result can be read by yourself within a few seconds.

Positive test result? If the test result is positive, it means that HIV antibodies have been detected in your blood and we recommend that you contact your doctor or an HIV consultant as soon as possible.

Negative test result? If the test result is negative, it means that no HIV antibodies have been detected in the blood. It is important to consider the window phase.

Content of the test

1 hermetically sealed aluminium pouch containing: 1 HIV 1/2 TEST cassette
1 desiccant bag
1 vial with dropper tip containing the HIV 1/2 test diluent required for 1 test
2 sterile lancets for self-drawing blood
1 transparent plastic bag containing a pipette for collecting blood
1 alcohol cleansing wipe
1 instructions for use leaflet

All the above components are packed in a protective plastic bag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our HIV Test

Is The Tester's HIV test anonymous?
Yes, your test is sent completely anonymously and you can use it without registration or a doctor's involvement.

When is an HIV test result reliable?
The test is reliable from 12 weeks after potential HIV exposure. This is because of the "window period," when your body hasn't yet produced detectable antibodies.

How accurate is an HIV self-test?
The HIV self-test from The Tester is over 99% accurate when used correctly. It's CE-certified and detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies using immunochromatography, the same technology used in professional healthcare settings. For the most reliable result, make sure to test only after the minimum 3-month window period.

What should I do if my HIV test result is positive?
Always contact your GP or an HIV counselor for further diagnosis and guidance. A laboratory test can confirm the result.

How does the HIV self-test work?
It's simple: prick your finger, place a drop of blood on the test cassette, add the buffer solution, then wait 15 minutes. One line (C-line) means negative, two lines (C + T-line) mean positive. No control line means the test is invalid, and you'll need a new one.

How long after unprotected sex should I wait to test for HIV?
For a reliable result, we advise waiting at least 12 weeks (3 months) after potential risky contact. This is the window period during which your body produces antibodies. Testing within this period could give a false-negative result.

Is an HIV self-test as reliable as a doctor's test?
The HIV self-test from The Tester is over 99% accurate and CE-certified. The main difference from a doctor's test is the type: our self-test detects antibodies, while a lab test can also detect the virus itself. If you have any doubts or get a positive result, we always recommend contacting a doctor.

Can I test for other STIs at the same time?
Yes, The Tester also offers an HIV & Syphilis Combined Test. You can also order a separate Chlamydia Test and other STI tests. Many people choose to do multiple tests at once after risky sexual contact.

How discreet is the HIV test delivery?
Your test is sent in neutral, unmarked packaging with no mention of the contents. Your privacy is fully guaranteed. Also, your bank statement will only show "The Tester."

Reliable medical products for home use

Recommended

Microbiome Test

HIV Self-test

FORA 6 Connect Multi-Parameter

FORA PO200 Oximeter

Insentials - Smart Collagen Shot (CollaXine™) - 10 g of collagen peptides for skin, hair and nails

Laser Hair Growth Comb