How to test?
The correct test is important! Insist on the test methods listed below and seek advice from a specialised professional if you are unsure.
Important: these recommendations only apply to conditions in Switzerland. In other countries, other methods may also be appropriate for cost or epidemiological reasons.
HIV
An infection can be recognised by an HIV test at the earliest 15 days after the risk situation. However, an HIV test can only definitively rule out infection 6 weeks (PCR test), respectively 12 weeks (rapid test) after sex.
Recommended
- Test by a medical professional, based on a laboratory analysis (serology, 4th generation ELISA screening test) with venous blood sample
- Sample to send off for a laboratory analysis (serology, 4th generation ELISA screening test) 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
Not recommended
- Test based on saliva (sample from the mouth), as they are not sensitive enough
- All other test methods
Syphilis
An infection can be recognised at the earliest 6 weeks after the risk situation.
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
- PCR test with swab or biopsy of a lesion
Not recommended
- Rapid test, as they are not sensitive enough
- All other test methods
Gonorrhoea (clap)
An infection can be recognised at the earliest 6 weeks after the risk situation.
Recommended
- PCR test with a swab from three areas of the body: mouth (pharyngeal), genitals (urethral/vaginal) and rectum (anal)
- Alternatively, the swab from the penis (urethral) can be replaced by a first stream urine sample. This does not apply to the vaginal smear test.
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
Chlamydia/LGV (lymphogranulama venerum)
An infection can be recognised at the earliest 2 weeks after the risk situation.
Recommended
- PCR test with a swab from three areas of the body: mouth (pharyngeal), genitals (urethral/vaginal) and rectum (anal).
- Alternatively, the swab from the penis (urethral) can be replaced by a first stream urine sample. This does not apply to the vaginal smear test.
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
Hepatitis A
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
Hepatitis B
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 a venous or capillary blood sample
Not recommended
- All other test methods
Hepatitis C
An infection can be recognised around 6 months after the risk situation or in the event of symptoms such as jaundice or elevated liver values.
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: test based on saliva (sample from the mouth)
Not recommended
- All other test methods
Herpes
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 (serology) with a swab of the lesion.
HPV
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 (serology) with a swab of the symptomatic area.
Mpox
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 (serology) with a swab or biopsy of a lesion.
Bacterial vaginosis
A test is only recommended if there are symptoms. A test without symptoms is not useful.
Recommended
- PCR test with swab of the vaginal mucosa
Not recommended
- All other test methods
Mycroplasma genitalium
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 (serology) with a swab of the symptomatic area.
Fungal infection
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.
Trichononiasis
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.