Do you want to get tested for sexually transmitted infections without consulting a doctor? Find out more about the services offered, the procedure, and the costs below.
Who is a self-test suitable for?
This test is suitable for asymptomatic individuals. If you have had unprotected sex and are now experiencing discharge, burning/itching in the genital area, changes in the mucous membranes, fever, or a rash, we recommend consulting a doctor instead of taking a self-test.
What diseases can I get tested for?
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- syphilis
- Chlamydia
- Gonococci
HIV, hepatitis B/C, and syphilis testing is performed via blood sample.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is performed using urine samples.
Which tests should I have done?
The choice of tests depends on your personal sexual risk profile. Therefore, no universally applicable recommendation is possible.
Have you suffered from sexually transmitted infections multiple times in the past? Have you had more than six different sexual partners in the last six months, do you practice chemsex, or do you inject drugs? Do you pay for sex, or are you a man who has sex with men? If so, based on your risk profile, we recommend that you schedule a consultation at our sexually transmitted infection clinic.
How reliable are the tests?
All the tests offered reliably detect or rule out the aforementioned diseases. This is contingent on the test being performed at the right time. If the time interval between the risk situation and the test is too short, the test may produce a false negative result, rendering it meaningless. Read on to find out when the right time is to get tested.
When is the right time for me to get tested?
Below is an overview of when testing is advisable after exposure:
HIV 6 weeks
Hepatitis B 3 weeks
Hepatitis C 3 months (final test recommended after 6 months)
syphilis 6 weeks (final test recommended after 3 months)
Chlamydia 2 weeks
Gonococci 2 weeks
How much does a test cost? Do I have to pay for it myself?
The costs for the tests are not covered by statutory health insurance, so you must pay for them yourself. Below is an overview of how much each test costs:
HIV CHF 18.00
Hepatitis B CHF 51.70
Hepatitis C CHF 22.50
syphilis CHF 37.80
Chlamydia and gonorrhea CHF 71.10 (in a group or individually each CHF 47.50)
Blood draw CHF 5.90
In addition to the laboratory analyses, a flat fee of CHF 100.00 is charged for administrative services, laboratory fees, medical evaluation of the laboratory findings, and notification to the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) in case of positive results.
How can I register for a test and what is the process?
- Registration is done by phone at 041 399 40 15. Call times are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please tell us what you would like to be tested for. Please note that the call is purely administrative; we cannot answer any technical questions over the phone.
- Please come to our laboratory on the same day or the following day (directions and opening hours). To avoid waiting times due to administration, please arrive no earlier than one hour after registering.
- Please register at the laboratory reception (Bioanalytica in the basement). You will need an identity card or official identification.
- Please pay for the selected tests. Payment is accepted by bank card; we cannot accept cash payments.
- Depending on the chosen test, a venous blood sample or a urine sample will be taken. Please note that you should not urinate for two hours before the urine sample is taken.
When and how will I receive the test results?
- All results will be sent to you via email within 7 working days.
- Exception: The results of the HIV test will be communicated to you within 2 working days by email or by telephone.
- If you have not received an email within 7 days, there is a technical problem. To enable us to resolve this as quickly as possible, please inform us by email at selbsttest@zgks.ch.
What happens if the test result is positive?
- In the event of a positive result, you should seek medical treatment.
- We will therefore send you an invitation to our outpatient consultation.
- If you would prefer to be treated by your trusted doctor, we would be grateful if you could cancel the appointment by phone at 041 399 40 15 or by email at selbsttest@zgks.ch.
- Until your treatment is complete, you should not donate blood, and if you do, you should only practice safe sex. Details can be found under Safer Sex (lovelife.ch).