FAQ – HIV self-test

1. General information

Can you test yourself for HIV?
Yes — with an at-home HIV self-test that uses a small finger-prick. You’ll see the result within 10–15 minutes.

What exactly is an HIV self-test?
An HIV self-test is a home test that lets you check yourself for possible HIV infection. It uses a drop of blood from your fingertip.

Can I take an HIV test without seeing a doctor?
Yes. HIV self-tests are available over the counter at pharmacies and online. You don’t need a prescription.

Is an HIV self-test the same as a rapid test?
Yes. An HIV self-test is a type of rapid test. Both give results within minutes, but the self-test is performed by you at home.

What are the first symptoms of HIV?
Often flu-like symptoms 1–6 weeks after exposure: fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue.

What happens after years without treatment?
Without treatment, HIV weakens the immune system and can progress to AIDS, leading to serious infections, weight loss, and fatigue.

2. Reliability & detection

How accurate is an HIV self-test?
Our HIV self-tests are up to 99% accurate when used correctly after the window period (6 to 12 weeks after possible exposure). All tests we offer are CE-marked and meet European quality standards.

What does the “window period” mean for HIV?
It’s the time between infection and when HIV becomes detectable in your blood.

How soon does HIV show up in blood?
Typically from 4–6 weeks after exposure, and fully reliable by 12 weeks. Testing earlier can produce a false-negative result.

Can I test too early for HIV?
Yes. Within 4 weeks of exposure the test can still be false-negative. Test again at 12 weeks to be sure.

What if my HIV self-test is negative but I still think I was at risk?
Repeat the test at 12 weeks. By then HIV is reliably detectable.

What is the fastest HIV test?
Our The Tester HIV self-test gives a reliable result at home in 10–15 minutes, no laboratory needed.

Can an HIV test give a false positive?
Rarely, but it can happen. Always confirm a positive result with your GP or a sexual health/public health clinic.

Are all HIV self-tests equally reliable?
No. The HIV self-tests from The Tester are CE-marked and meet European quality standards so you can trust the result.

3. Use & instructions

How do I use an HIV self-test?
Clean your finger, use the included lancet, place a drop of blood in the test well, add the buffer, and wait 10–15 minutes for the result.

Does an HIV self-test hurt?
No — it’s just a small finger-prick, similar to a blood sugar test.

When is the best time to test?
Test at least 6 weeks after a potential exposure, and repeat at 12 weeks for certainty.

What do one or two lines on the test mean?
One line at “C” = negative; two lines at “C” and “T” = positive. Always follow your test’s instructions.

How long does an HIV self-test remain valid?
Our HIV self-tests from The Tester are typically valid for 18 to 24 months. The exact expiry date is printed on the box. We only ship fresh stock so you can rely on your test.

4. Cost

How much does an HIV self-test cost?
At The Tester an HIV self-test costs on average €24.99 per test. You receive a CE-marked, reliable test with clear instructions, discreetly packaged and delivered quickly.

Is testing via the public health clinic cheaper?
Yes — at many public health/sexual health clinics, an HIV test is free or only subject to your standard co-pay/excess.

Is an HIV self-test covered by health insurance?
Usually not, because it’s a self-test.

5. Results & next steps

What should I do if my HIV self-test is positive?
See your GP or a sexual health/public health clinic right away for a laboratory confirmation test.

What if I test positive but have no symptoms?
Treatment is still important even without symptoms. Starting early offers the best outlook. Contact your GP or a sexual health clinic immediately.

Can HIV be treated effectively nowadays?
Yes. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV can be well controlled.

How soon after infection can treatment start?
As soon as HIV is confirmed via a laboratory test.

6. Ordering & shipping

How discreet is the delivery of an HIV test?
The test is shipped in neutral packaging with no identifiable contents.

What appears on my bank statement?
The charge appears under a neutral business name, without “HIV” or “test”.

How fast is delivery for an HIV test?
Orders placed with The Tester on business days before 17:00 are usually delivered the next day. All HIV self-tests are discreetly packaged and shipped with reliable carriers.

Can you return an HIV test?
For hygiene and safety reasons, HIV self-tests cannot be returned. At The Tester we guarantee each test is new, unused, and sealed. Always check the packaging upon receipt.

Are there shipping costs for an HIV test?
Yes. Shipping costs are €4.99 per order. Product prices exclude shipping. All parcels from The Tester are sent discreetly with track & trace.

7. Safety & privacy

Is an HIV self-test safe to use at home?
Yes — provided you follow the instructions. The test is safe and comparable to a small finger-prick.

Are my test results stored?
No. You read the result yourself at home. No test data are stored or shared.

How is my privacy protected when ordering an HIV test?
Your details are used only to process and deliver your order and are kept securely in line with GDPR.

Can anyone tell I ordered an HIV test?
No. The packaging and billing descriptor contain no identifiable references to The Tester or the product.

What happens to my data on the website and in the order system?
Your details are used solely to process and ship your order, stored securely, and never shared with third parties without consent.

8. Provider reliability

Is The Tester a trustworthy website to order an HIV test?
Yes — The Tester is considered reliable. The site scores well on Trustpilot, uses secure SSL encryption, and ships discreetly. Always check that your test is CE-marked, and contact a doctor if you receive a positive result.

Are customer reviews of The Tester mostly positive?
On Trustpilot, The Tester scores around 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customers praise fast delivery, clear instructions, and helpful customer service. Any complaints are handled quickly and professionally.