The anonymous testing campaign has been offered quarterly since 2015 without prior registration. Since then, a total of 842 clients have been tested for HIV and syphilis, and since the beginning of September 2023 there has also been the option of testing for hepatitis C. Between 40 and 50 people attended each of the three campaign dates this year.
Among all clients of the thirty rapid test campaigns to date, 45% were between the ages of 21 and 30, one in four was between 31 and 40 and one in ten was over 50. Only 7.5 percent were younger people under the age of 20. Women took advantage of the offer more often than men (57%).
A total of 38 percent found out about the offer via the internet, one in five via the district administration's website. Five percent got the information from the newspaper, three percent via social media and one in four found out about the campaign through other channels.
Social work advice is also guaranteed on site
Qualified social work advice is provided by Felix Mohrs or other social workers and volunteers from Aids-Hilfe Stuttgart e.V. Dr. Uschi Traub and Dr. Stephan Döring, both doctors at the health department of the district office, will take the blood sample and make the diagnosis. Persons under the age of 14 can only be tested if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C: How the tests work
The INSTI multiplex HIV/syphilis test used in the campaign is a qualitative, rapid test that can detect antibodies against both HIV types (type 1 and type 2) and syphilis. For the test, a few drops of blood are taken from the fingertip, mixed with reaction solutions and placed on a test kit. The test result is available after a few minutes. There should be at least twelve
weeks between a possible risk contact (e.g. unprotected sex) and the rapid test in order to obtain a meaningful result. In the event of a positive test result, a confirmation test with venous blood is required. Testing for HIV and syphilis is free of charge, while a small donation is appreciated for the hepatitis C rapid test.
For further information, please contact Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Health Promotion in the Health Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office, Hindenburgstr. 20/1, 71638 Ludwigsburg, Tel. 07141 144-2520, e-mail: gesundheitsfoerderung[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de.
