How to test?

Diagnosis of an infection is not possible until at least 15 days after the risk situation. However, definitively ruling out an infection with an HIV test is only possible 6 weeks (ELISA fourth-generation detection test) or 12 weeks (self-testing) after sex.

Recommended

• Test by a specialist: Laboratory analysis (ELISA fourth-generation detection test) with a blood sample from a vein in an arm or a finger
• Self-sampling kit to send for testing, ordered from a reliable provider in Switzerland, laboratory analysis (serology) with a blood sample from a finger (ELISA fourth-generation detection test)
• Self-test, purchased from a reliable provider in Switzerland (e.g. pharmacy), with CE certification, with a blood sample from a finger

Not recommended

• Test based on saliva (sample from the mouth), as they are not sensitive enough 
• All other test methods

An infection can be ruled out 6 weeks after the risk situation. The type of analysis depends on whether a previous infection is already present: someone who has ever had syphilis before will always give a positive result in a common antibody test. For people with a known previous infection, it is therefore recommended to carry out a test for indirect evidence of an infection (VDRL or RPR). Recommended

• Test by a specialist: Laboratory analysis (serology) with a blood sample from a vein in an arm or a finger
• Test by a specialist: PCR test with swab from a lesion
• Self-sampling kit to send for testing, ordered from a reliable provider in Switzerland, laboratory analysis (serology) with a blood sample from a finger

Not recommended

• Rapid test, as they are not sensitive enough
• All other test methods

Diagnosis of an infection is not possible until at least 2 weeks after the risk situation. It is recommended in all cases to take swabs from all three areas of the body. The samples can be pooled in order to save on costs.

Recommended

• PCR test with swabs from three areas of the body: Mouth (pharyngeal), genitalia (urethral/vaginal) and rectum (anal)
• Alternatively, a urine sample may be substituted for the swab from the penis (urethral). It is important to avoid urinating for two hours before the sample is taken. However, a urine sample cannot be substituted for the vaginal swab.

Not recommended

• Test with only a single sample, e.g. only a vaginal swab, but no swab from the mouth and anus
• All other test methods

Diagnosis of an infection is not possible until at least 2 weeks after the risk situation. It is recommended in all cases to take swabs from all three areas of the body. The samples can be pooled in order to save on costs.

Recommended

• PCR test with swabs from three areas of the body: Mouth (pharyngeal), genitalia (urethral/vaginal) and rectum (anal)
• Alternatively, a urine sample may be substituted for the swab from the penis (urethral). It is important to avoid urinating for two hours before the sample is taken. However, a urine sample cannot be substituted for the vaginal swab.

Not recommended

• PCR test using only one sample (genital swab or urine sample), but without swabs from the mouth and anus
• All other test methods

A test is only recommended if there are symptoms and a clear suspicion of an infection. It is carried out on a doctor's orders.

Recommended

• Test by a medical professional, based on a laboratory analysis (serology) with venous blood sample

Not recommended

• All other test methods

A hepatitis B infection is detectable after 4-8 weeks at the earliest and can be safely ruled out after 6 months. There is a vaccination that provides reliable protection against infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Recommended

• Test by a medical professional, based on a laboratory analysis (serology) with a venous or capillary blood sample
• Rapid test with CE certification, with a blood sample from the finger

Not recommended

• All other test methods

Detection of an infection by means of a screening test is possible at the earliest 6-8 weeks after infection. 6 months after the risk situation, an infection can be reliably ruled out by means of a screening test (an antibody test). 

Recommended

• Test by a medical professional, based on a laboratory analysis (serology) with venous blood sample
• Sample to send off for a laboratory analysis (serology) with a blood sample from the finger, ordered from a reputable Swiss provider
• Rapid test with CE certification, with a blood sample from the finger
• In certain contexts: Rapid test based on saliva (sample from the mouth)

Not recommended

• All other test methods

A test is only recommended if symptoms persist and an infection is clearly suspected. A test without symptoms is not useful. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis (PCR) with a swab of the lesion.

A test is only recommended if symptoms persist and other STIs have been ruled out. A test without symptoms is not advisable. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis (PCR and/or cytology) with a swab of the symptomatic area.

A test is only recommended in case of symptoms or exposure. A test without symptoms is not useful. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis (PCR) with a swab or biopsy of a lesion.

A test is only recommended if there are symptoms. A test without symptoms is not useful.

Recommended

• Test by a specialist, based on microscopy of a vaginal smear

Not recommended

• All other test methods

A test is only recommended if symptoms persist and other STIs have been ruled out. A test without symptoms is not advisable. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis (PCR) with a swab of the symptomatic area.

A test is only recommended if there are symptoms. A test without symptoms is not advisable. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis with a swab of the symptomatic area.

A test is only recommended if there are symptoms and a suspected infection. A test without symptoms is not advisable. A test is ordered by a medical professional and the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional on the basis of a laboratory analysis with a swab of the symptomatic area.