Microbiology

Anonymous screening for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C

For which infections is anonymous testing available?

The LNS offers anonymous testing for:

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• syphilis
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C

What does “anonymous testing” mean?

With anonymous testing, no personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.) is collected. The sample is linked only to an anonymous code, ensuring that no one – including medical staff – can know who it belongs to.

Why should I consider anonymous testing?

Anonymous testing may be appropriate if you:

• wish to avoid any risk of discrimination or stigmatisation,
• believe you may have been exposed to a risk (for example after unprotected sex or sharing needles),
• prefer to obtain clear answers first without having to disclose your identity.

How does anonymous testing work at the LNS?

The procedure is as follows:

1. A blood sample is taken by an LNS doctor
2. If desired: counselling (voluntary, anonymous and confidential)
3. Laboratory analysis within 3 working days
4. Collection of the results at the LNS using the anonymous code provided when the sample was taken

Is the test result reliable?

Yes. The tests used meet strict quality standards. The timeframes shown below indicate how long you should wait after the most recent risk exposure for the test result to be reliable.

Infection	When is the test reliable? (after the most recent risk exposure
VIH	after 6 weeks
Syphilis	usually after 3 weeks, and no later than after 3 months
Hépatite B	usually after 3 weeks, and no later than after 3 months
Hépatite C	usually after 2-3 months, and no later than after 6 months

Is my result recorded anywhere?

No. No link is established between you and the result. It is not recorded in a medical file or with the National Health Fund (CNS).

I am afraid of the result. What can I do?

This is understandable and completely normal. Many services offer psychosocial support before and after testing – anonymously and free of charge, of course. You are not alone.

Advice: If you have been exposed to a risk, do not delay getting tested. Early diagnosis enables prompt care, protects those around you and can save lives.

Bacteriology, mycology and mycobacteriology testing

How long will it take for my bacteriology test result to be available?

In bacteriology, turnaround times are measured in days because bacteria need time to grow. For more information on result turnaround times, please consult our analysis catalogue available here.

How long will it take for my mycology test result to be available?

For a mycology analysis (i.e. testing for yeasts/fungi in a sample), turnaround times may vary from 3 to 20 days depending on the type of analysis and pathogen. For more information on result turnaround times, please consult our analysis catalogue available here.

How long will it take for my final result to be available for an analysis involving testing for mycobacteria?

Testing for mycobacteria requires a longer turnaround time. A reliable definitive result is generally obtained after around 2 months because these bacteria grow extremely slowly.

My test results

Will I receive my analysis report?

Your test results are automatically sent to the healthcare professional who requested the test, as well as to any other healthcare professionals copied on the request, where applicable.
You may also receive your test report by post if this option was requested when the test was prescribed.

However, for certain tests, the reports cannot be sent directly to you.

This is particularly the case for certain genetic and pathology tests, which require appropriate support and additional explanations to ensure their results are properly understood. For these tests, the results are sent only to the requesting physician, so that they can be communicated to you with the appropriate guidance and in the context of your medical care.

From 1 October 2026, pathology and gynaecological cytology reports will be directly integrated into your electronic healthcare record (DSP). You will therefore be able to see in your DSP that your examination report is available.

Pathology reports will remain locked in the DSP. Access to them will need to be unlocked by the healthcare professional who prescribed the examination. This measure ensures that the results, which may be complex to interpret, are explained to you and put into context by a healthcare professional.

Gynaecological cytology reports will be immediately accessible

 

How long does it take for analysis results to become available?

Turnaround times vary depending on the nature and complexity of the analyses performed. They can be found in the analysis catalogue.

Please note:

• For certain specialised examinations, additional time may be required because of the techniques used or additional analyses.
• Samples are generally processed on D+1 after collection. This period may be longer for certain analyses.
• Analyses are performed only from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

I have questions about my results. Who can I discuss them with?

Your prescribing doctor remains your main point of contact for explaining your test results and ensuring appropriate medical follow-up based on your clinical situation.

Resistance to antiretroviral treatment (HIV)

When is HIV drug-resistance sequencing indicated?

This test is indicated in the following situations:

• Before starting antiretroviral treatment
• In the event of virological failure (viral load does not decrease or rises again)
• When changing treatment
• In the event of virus transmission with suspected resistance

How is the HIV drug-resistance sequencing test performed?

The test is performed on a blood sample (EDTA tube). It is generally carried out in hospital at the request of your general practitioner or infectious-disease specialist.

Is there a minimum viral load required for HIV drug-resistance sequencing?

Yes. A viral load of at least 200 copies/mL is recommended to ensure an interpretable result.

What type of sequencing is used?

At the LNS, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used, enabling more precise analysis and better detection of resistance mutations.

Which genes are analysed in the HIV drug-resistance sequencing test?

The genes analysed are reverse transcriptase, protease and integrase.

How long does it take for the results to become available?

The total turnaround time for the results may be up to 30 days.

For more information on result turnaround times, please consult our analysis catalogue available here.

 

 

How are the results interpreted?

The results are interpreted using international reference databases (including Stanford HIVdb). A detailed medical report is sent to the prescribing doctor.

Is anonymous testing free?

Yes. Anonymous testing is completely free of charge at the LNS.