FAQ

Anyone can be tested. Infants may be tested from the age of 2 (accompanied by parents) by taking a swab from the front of the nose. We cannot guarantee sufficient material collection for correct test evaluation. Children and adolescents under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for testing. Children over 14 years of age may come to the test alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian.

There are three established corona testing methods: PCR tests, antigen tests and antibody tests.

PCR-Test
The PCR test is a standard procedure in the diagnosis of viruses. The test is based on the so-called polymerase chain reaction. The genetic material of the virus is multiplied. This makes it possible to detect viruses even if only a few pathogens are present. The PCR test is considered the gold standard among the corona tests.

PCR Test (Lab) - Same Day
you will receive on the same day by 23:59 at the latest.*

PCR Test (Lab) - Next Morning
for a test result the next morning by 10:00*,

PCR Test (Lab) - Next Day
for a test result by the end of the following day*,

PCR Rapid Test
for a test result from 30 min*. Attention: This test is not evaluated in the laboratory, but in the test stations with a laboratory device. You will find exact information on the evaluation time on the location pages.

*= in 98% of the cases. In 2% of cases after 48 hours at the latest. With Rapid PCR Test after 4 hours at the latest.

Antigen Rapid test
Here, not the genetic material of the virus is detected, but protein fragments (proteins) from the envelope of the virus. The rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 detect certain proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract in the event of infection. Rapid antigen tests can detect the different viral variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus similarly well. The rapid antigen test is less sensitive than a PCR test. This means that a larger amount of virus is needed for a positive result to be indicated. For example, if only a few viruses are present shortly after an infection, the rapid antigen test can still be negative, even though the person tested is infected.

After you have found out which test you need, select the location near you, the respective test, the desired date and time. Then fill in all the requested input fields, making sure to provide correct information, as this is often where the first mistakes creep in. Appointments, especially the prescribed PCR laboratory test, can also be booked at short notice.

For people without access to a smartphone or the ability to print out a ticket, we offer an on-site booking service. In this case, our ward staff will book the test and issue a printed test certificate after 15-20 minutes. Please note that this service can only be offered for free citizenship tests and in limited quantities. Paid tests and PCR tests cannot be booked on site. To avoid waiting times at the station, please book conveniently online if possible.

To detect an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a sample is taken from the mucous membranes (nasopharyngeal swab) of the respiratory tract. This is done by taking a swab from the pharyngeal wall and/or from the nasopharynx. Thanks to the experience of our employees, this happens quickly, thoroughly and with little discomfort. Alternatively, we also offer sample collection using mouthwash for PCR tests. In the mouth rinsing test, a saline solution is rinsed in the mouth for several seconds and then added to the sample container. Please note that the mouth rinse cannot be carried out with the prescribed PCR laboratory test. In addition, the mouthwash test IS not recognized in all countries, which is why it is not suitable for travel.

Please show up with a valid identity card or passport and your ticket, which you have previously received from us in an e-mail. The ticket can be printed out or presented in electronic form, e.g. on a smartphone.

Please note that payment with cash on site is unfortunately not possible. When booking, you can use the following payment methods: iDeal, Sofort-Überweisung, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, VISA, prepayment, SEPA direct debit (prepayment and direct debit is only possible for dates >12 days before).

You will get your result sent to the email address you provided. This is password protected. Your password is the zip code you entered. Also check your SPAM folder.

The test result
... of a rapid antigen test you will usually receive about 15 minutes after testing.

... of a PCR Test (Lab) - Same Day you will receive on the same day by 23:59 at the latest.*

... of a PCR Tests (Lab) - Next Morning you will receive the following day by 10:00 at the latest*.

... of a PCR Tests (Lab) - Next Day you will receive the following day by 23:59 at the latest*.

... of a Rapid PCR test you will receive from 30 minutes after testing. For exact information about the evaluation time, please refer to the page of the respective test station.

... of a prescribed PCR laboratory test you will receive by the end (23:59)* of the 2nd working day following the sample collection. In exceptional cases, the evaluation may be delayed further due to the currently very high volume of tests. Should this be the case, you will be informed by e-mail within the above-mentioned period (end of 2nd working day after sample collection).

... of a RSV-PCR-Test you will receive the following day by 23:59 at the latest*.

... of a Multiplex-PCR-Tast (SARS-CoV-2 & RSV) you will receive the following day by 23:59 at the latest*.

... of an antibody test (Lab) you will receive the following day by 23:59 at the latest.*

*= in 98% of the cases. In 2% of cases after 48 hours at the latest. With Rapid PCR Test after 4 hours at the latest.

Please note that for free PCR tests with sample collection on Sunday, the result will only be delivered on Tuesday. At the following locations, the result of free PCR tests with sample collection on Saturday will also only be delivered on Tuesday:

• Dresden
• Chemnitz
• Hanover
• Lindau
• Zwickau

A PCR test is the safest method to detect a current covid infection. The test is carried out in the laboratory and is particularly sensitive. The procedure can detect with a high degree of certainty whether someone is currently infected at certain stages of the infection, usually two to three days after infection. After a week, the virus disappears from the throat area in some people, but remains in the lungs. Accordingly, there are phases of infection during which a PCR test is negative despite infection.

In addition to the PCR-lab-test, there is also the Rapid-PCR-test. This can be evaluated on site using a special device. With the Rapid-PCR-test, the result is already available from 30 minutes after the test, depending on the location. The Rapid-PCR-test requires more viral load than the PCR-lab-test and is less reliable. However, if the result is positive, the patient is highly certain to be infectious.

A PCR test is the safest method to detect a current covid infection. The test is carried out in the laboratory and is particularly sensitive. The procedure can detect with a high degree of certainty whether someone is currently infected at certain stages of the infection, usually two to three days after infection. After a week, the virus disappears from the throat area in some people, but remains in the lungs. Accordingly, there are phases of infection during which a PCR test is negative despite infection. In addition to the standard PCR test with a waiting time of at least 24 hours, there are also PCR rapid tests. These come with a test kit and can be used without a laboratory. With the PCR rapid test, the result is already available after two and a half hours. However, they require more viral load than the standard PCR test and are less reliable. If the result is positive, however, the patient is infectious with a high degree of certainty.

Test validity requirements vary from country to country. Please check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your airline.

The free PCR laboratory test may only be used if the requirements of the Federal Ministry of Health in the Ordinance on the Right to Testing with Regard to Direct Pathogen Detection are met. This test is exclusively for confirmatory diagnostics. The prescribed laboratory test cannot be used for travelling! Please observe the instructions of the Coronavirus Test Ordinance - TestV.

From November 25th, 2022, the citizen test will be free of charge for the following persons

• Persons being treated, cared for, maintained or accommodated in vulnerable facilities.
• Visitors of persons who are treated, cared for, maintained or accommodated in vulnerable facilities
• Persons entitled to benefits who employ persons within the framework of a personal budget according to § 29 SGB IX, as well as persons employed by persons entitled to benefits within the framework of a personal budget according to § 29 SGB IX
• Carers within the meaning of § 19 sentence 1 of SGB XI
• Persons who, at the time of testing, are in seclusion due to a proven infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, if the testing is required to end the seclusion.

The sample is taken from your throat and nose swab. The swab is then placed in a tube with a buffer solution so that the virus particles are washed out. A test strip is then used to determine the result. If one line appears on the strip, the test is negative; if two lines appear, it is evaluated as a positive result. Compared to the PCR test, the antigen test is easy to use and provides fast results after only 15 to 30 minutes, even faster than the PCR rapid test.

The test we use is listed by the BfArM and evaluated by the Paul Ehrlich Institute. According to the manufacturer, the antigen test has a clinical sensitivity of 98.5% and a clinical specificity of 99.3%. The sensitivity indicates whether all sick people are recognized as sick. The specificity indicates whether all healthy, tested people are recognized as healthy. However, it should be noted that the antigen concentration can fluctuate over the course of the disease and can fall below the detection limit of the antigen test. A possible infection can therefore not be completely ruled out due to negative test results. In rare cases, the antigen test can be falsely positive if an infection with another, similar coronavirus has taken place.

PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen tests. If the rapid test result is positive, it is recommended to do a PCR test to validate the result and get final certainty.

If an infection is to be assumed, you are to be considered infectious for other persons. It is therefore imperative that you immediately go into quarantine and that the measures recommended by the RKI are initiated in cooperation with the public health department. In addition, the result of a positive rapid antigen test should be checked by means of a PCR test, especially in the case of healthy persons who have no symptoms and have had no contact with an infected person. In case of a positive test result, you will subsequently receive information on how to proceed. Since Covid-19 is a notifiable disease according to the Infection Protection Act, we are also obliged to make a report to the responsible public health department and thus initiate the further procedure. You can find the responsible health office on this website: https://tools.rki.de/PLZTool/

In rare cases, an invalid result may occur. If your test cannot be evaluated or is invalid, please contact our customer support by email. You will receive a free voucher code and can book a new appointment immediately.

Since worldwide regulations differ, the respective country decides which detection is needed. In most cases, corona antigen rapid tests are recognised in the same way as PCR tests. You can find all further information on the page of the Federal Ministry of Health. Please check with the competent authorities of your destination as well as with your flight provider whether an antigen rapid test, a PCR test or a rapid PCR test is recognised.

Unfortunately, the entry requirements of the different travel countries are constantly changing. Please see the Foreign Office or from the travel provider about the entry conditions of your respective travel country.

In some countries, a document about the recognition of the laboratory in Germany is required upon entry, such as Hong Kong. Some countries only accept a laboratory PCR test upon entry. The PoC/Rapid PCR test is NOT recognized as a laboratory test.

We offer the EU certificate for the rapid antigen test and the free citizen test. If you agree to the personalized transmission to the Corona Warn App (CWA) when booking your test, you will receive a QR code for the CWA app with the test result. When you transfer the test result to the CWA app, you will receive the EU certificate.

It contains the following information:

• Your name
• Your date of birth
• the date of issue
• More information about the test

Check if the test evaluation period has already expired. Also check if your test result might have ended up in another folder (spam/advertising). For queries with our support team, please always have your barcode data ready.

Opening hours vary from location to location. First select the location and then the test type. In the booking screen you can view and select the free dates.

A blood sample is tested for the presence of antibodies and the corresponding immune response using a laboratory test. The result is quantitative and is given as a U/mL value. The assessment of the finding is divided into 3 areas:

1. Value greater than or equal to 30 U/ml: positive antibody detection, immune protection is to be assumed
2. Value less than 30 U/ml but greater than 4: positive antibody detection, but NO reliable immunity
3. Value less than 4 is negative - NO immunity

Further statements on immunity or recommendations for booster vaccinations cannot be made. Please consult your general practitioner or vaccination doctor.

Test Details:
Method: ElectroChemiLuminescence ImmunoAssay (ECLIA)
Measuring range in U/ml: 4 - 2500

Capillary blood is taken from the fingertip. The side fingertip is pricked with a safety lancet to obtain at least 350 μl / 0.350 ml of blood. This can take several minutes. The withdrawal must be stopped after a maximum of 12 minutes or 3 attempts.

• HIV positive
• Infection with hepatitis B (infectious jaundice)
• Intake of anticoagulant medication
• Known seizure disorder
• Circulatory problems with previous blood draws
• Skin diseases on both hands
• Too thick calluses on the fingers

• The antibody test can be carried out at the earliest 2 weeks after the last vaccination or after a Covid infection has subsided.
• Please bring a valid ID with you. The data on the ticket and ID must match.
• Minimum age: 16 years
• Minors will only be tested if accompanied by a legal guardian. Please also have the ID of the parent ready.
• Stop smoking 60 minutes before the test.
• Drink plenty of water on the day of blood collection. Don't appear dehydrated.
• Do not drink alcohol on the day of blood collection.
• Ensure adequate blood circulation in the hands: heat, rotate arm quickly backwards, do not wear tight watches.
• The antibody test cannot be carried out in the event of dizziness, nausea or circulatory problems.

As of 25.11.2022, the TestV no longer provides for citizen testing with a personal contribution. These tests could be claimed by people who were planning to attend an indoor event, have contact with people over 60 years of age, people with disabilities or people with pre-existing conditions on the day of testing. In addition, people who had an indication of increased risk through the Corona warning app were able to be tested.

We offer the rapid antigen test as a substitute at our locations for self-pay patients. Our test centres are happy to provide you with officially recognised test certificates.

You can book your test from anywhere via your smartphone, even if you are already at the test station. On our website, you select the corresponding station and the desired test type. Please note that there may be waiting times on site if many appointments have already been booked for a certain period.

For people without access to a smartphone, it is possible for our station staff to take care of the test booking. This service is only available for free citizenship tests. Paid tests and PCR tests cannot be booked on site. In this case, a printed test certificate will be issued after 15-20 minutes. Please note that this service can only be offered on a limited basis. To avoid waiting times at the station, we kindly ask you to book online if possible.

If you have symptoms, you should stay at home and contact your doctor. The doctor will discuss the further procedure with you and decide whether you are entitled to (PCR) testing.

A PCR test is a standard procedure in the diagnosis of viruses. The test is based on the polymerase chain reaction. The genetic material of the virus is multiplied. This makes it possible to detect viruses even if only a few pathogens are present. In contrast to normal PCR tests, the multiplex PCR test can simultaneously test for the genetic material of several pathogens.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a worldwide pathogen of acute upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses at all ages and one of the most important pathogens of respiratory infections in infants, especially premature infants and young children. Within the first years of life, almost every child undergoes an RSV infection.

Unfortunately, once an infection has been contracted, it does not provide long-term protection against re-infection. Furthermore, there is still no vaccine against RSV approved in the EU.

RSV-infected persons can be infectious one day after infection and even before the onset of symptoms. There is an RSV wave almost every year within the winter months. Since November 2022, a particularly large number of people have become ill in Germany.

In Germany, there is no obligation to report pathogens or diseases with RSV viruses according to the Infektionsschutzgesetz. There is no explicit ban on visiting community facilities. However, you should not visit such community facilities, especially toddler groups, while you are contagious.

RSV is sensitive to disinfectants effective against enveloped viruses (labelled "limited virucidal" by the manufacturer). Regular hand disinfection is recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

If you have any questions, please contact our customer support. (https://15minutentest.de/de/de/kontakt)

Our support team is there for you at the following times: Email Support: Monday-Sunday 08:00-20:00 Phone support: Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00 and Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00. Our telephone number is: +49 2771 427810.

If you have any questions, please always state the barcode of your test booking!