Free HIV tests in Lower Austria: Have anonymous and without fear tested now!

Free HIV tests in Lower Austria: Have anonymous and without fear tested now!

Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Österreich - On June 2, 2025, a new program for anonymous and free HIV tests in cooperation with AIDS Aid Vienna and local clubs was launched in Lower Austria. This offer is provided in five different health regions of the state. The first test day took place recently in St. Pölten, where not only tests but also extensive advice were offered. The aim of the program is to close test gaps caused by the previous concentration on Vienna. So far, around 8,400 HIV-infected people have been living in Austria, but many of them are not aware of their illness. In 2024, 454 new diagnoses were found, including 33 from Lower Austria.

according to [ots] (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250602_ots0080/ cost-hiv-test program- 2025-in-niederöesterreich-gesture) it is particularly important that tests remain at an early stage, since HIV-infections often remain undetected and can lead to difficult courses for a long time. Dr. Regina Klenk, the Lower Austria medical director, emphasizes that corresponding quick tests are decisive after a potential contact with HIV. An early diagnosis not only enables successful treatment, but can also help reduce the virus load below the detection limit. This makes it impossible to transmit the virus.

test offer and cost

The test and advisory services include a variety of tests that can be carried out anonymously and easily:

• Free anonymous HIV antigen/antibody test (diagnostic window: 6 weeks)
• anonymous HIV fast test: 30 euros (diagnostic window: 12 weeks)
• anonymous HIV-PCR test: 79 euros
• anonymous syphilis test: 15 euros
• Selbstrich test Chlamydia/Tripper: 36 euros
• hepatitis B and C tests: 30 euros
• hepatitis-B test: 20 euros
• hepatitis-C test: 19 euros
• hepatitis-B-title determination: 10 euros

Overall, the program should in particular reach people who are considered a "late presenter". Andrea Brunner from AIDS Hilfe Vienna points out that 42 percent of HIV-infected are diagnosed late. According to information, the next test day will take place on June 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Hörlengasse 3a. A photo ID is required to carry out a test.

Important information about tests

The test procedure is structured by an anonymous questionnaire, followed by a situation analysis and advice on transmission options. The results of the quick tests are available after 1 to 20 minutes, while laboratory examinations can take a week. There is also the possibility of a telephone request. The AIDS help recommends a regular test, especially for changing sexual partners or symptoms such as burning, itching or discharge in the genital or anal area.

In all test centers, the value is important that the tests are carried out anonymously and under the best conditions. By accessing these offers, people can be informed at an early stage and, if necessary, included in therapy in order to ensure their health sustainably. Free access to test offers such as the HIV fast test, which is carried out with a drop of blood from the fingertip, must be emphasized in order to reduce barriers and create a wider test acceptance among the population, as well as check-IT-IT Nrw emphasized.