HIV self-testing
Page last reviewed 1.10.2026
The HIV self-test is a reliable and easy way to test for HIV in privacy. It is also a good option if getting an HIV test is difficult, for example because of long distances. You can order an HIV self-test from the Hivpoint online shop or from online pharmacies.
The HIV self-test reliably detects HIV antibodies three months (12 weeks) after a potential exposure. The test is done by taking a drop of blood from your fingertip.
The CE-marked Autotest VIH and Exacto self-tests are sold in Finland for detecting HIV antibodies. Hivpoint has assessed the usability of the Autotest VIH self-test in cooperation with the authorities and found it to be reliable and easy to use. The Autotest VIH self-test is reliable when you carefully follow the instructions provided with the test.
HIV self-tests can also be ordered from abroad, but in that case it is important to check that the test is reliable (CE-marked) and that the instructions provided with the test are easy to understand. Read the instructions carefully before taking the test.
When can you take an HIV self-test?
The HIV self-test result is reliable when 12 weeks or more have passed since unprotected sex or another potential exposure to HIV.
We do not recommend taking an HIV self-test at weekends or on public holidays, when it can be difficult to get advice and support with taking the test or interpreting the result. It is a good idea to set aside enough time to take the test. The HIV self-test is best taken in a calm place where you have time and space to process any thoughts and feelings the test result may bring up.
It is a good idea to think beforehand about whether you want to take the test with other people present or alone. Sometimes the test result can be unexpected, and you may not want to tell others about it right away. Everyone has the right to privacy when it comes to their health. On the other hand, having someone you trust with you may help you feel calmer and process the thoughts and feelings brought up by testing.
A positive test result must always be confirmed with a venous blood sample taken by a healthcare professional.
How does an HIV self-test work?
HIV self-tests are rapid tests that detect HIV antibodies in the blood. The test is done using a drop of blood taken from the fingertip. The result can be read 15 minutes after taking the test.
The test detects HIV antibodies 12 weeks after infection.
Where can I find instructions for taking the Autotest VIH self-test?
The HIV self-test ordered from Finnish-language online store comes with instructions in Finnish and Swedish only. If you would also like us to send you the instructions in English, please order the self-test from our English-language online store.
You can also view the instructions for the Autotest VIH 2nd Generation self-test that we sell here:
Instructions for the HIV self-test in English
Can I trust an HIV self-test?
Yes. A CE-marked HIV self-test can be trusted when the test is taken according to the instructions and at least 12 weeks have passed since the potential exposure.
There are currently two CE-marked HIV self-tests approved by the authorities on the Finnish market. Both tests detect HIV antibodies 12 weeks after infection. This means that a negative test result is reliable when 12 weeks or more have passed since the potential exposure. A positive test result must always be confirmed with a venous blood sample taken by a healthcare professional.
Where can I buy an HIV self-test? How much does it cost?
The Autotest VIH self-test costs only 29,25 € + delivery costs in the Hivpoint’s online store Pointshopping. The test is delivered in discreet packaging. The sender is listed as Pointshopping Oy. You can choose whether the test is delivered to a parcel locker or to an address of your choice.
What does a negative test result mean?
A negative test result means that no HIV antibodies were detected in the blood and no HIV infection was detected. A negative test result is reliable when 12 weeks or more have passed since the last potential exposure. If less time has passed since the potential exposure, you should take another test once 12 weeks have passed.
What if my self-test result is positive?
A positive test result means that you are likely to have an HIV infection. The result must always be confirmed with a venous blood sample taken by a healthcare professional.
It is important that you contact a healthcare provider soon after receiving a positive self-test result. The confirmation test can be taken at Hivpoint in Helsinki free of charge. You can also contact your health centre, a private health centre, student or occupational health services, or a possible STI clinic in your wellbeing services county to get a confirmation test.
A positive test result can understandably cause concern about your health and may bring up fear, worry or anxiety. It is a good idea to seek support from trusted sources, such as Hivpoint or other healthcare providers. Other possible places include your local health centre, student healthcare services, occupational health services and STI clinics run by the wellbeing services counties.
With effective treatment, HIV is a chronic condition that you can live a full life with, and it no longer affects life expectancy.
Counselling, support, and confirmatory testing
If you have questions related to HIV self-testing, HIV or other STIs, Hivpoint’s counselling services provide free, reliable information and confidential counselling. Check the opening hours from here.
Every positive self-test result has to be confirmed by a venous blood test. A confirmatory blood sample following a positive self-test result can be taken at Hivpoint’s office in Kalasatama, Helsinki.
After an HIV diagnosis, you do not have to be left alone to process what has happened or look for information. Hivpoint and Positiiviset ry provide free support and counselling on all matters related to HIV for people living with HIV and their loved ones.
You can also get support by calling, for example, MIELI Mental Health Finland’s national crisis helpline at 09 2525 0111, which is open 24/7. You can call the crisis helpline anonymously and confidentially. Read more about free support and counselling services in English from MIELI Mental Health Finland’s website.
Does an HIV self-test detect other STIs?
An HIV self-test only detects HIV. Other sexually transmitted infections are much more easily transmitted than HIV. Other STIs are often asymptomatic, so it is also important to get tested for them. If left untreated, STIs can affect your health. Read more about other STIs and don’t hesitate to get tested for STIs if you have had sex without a condom or oral sex protection.