Strep test and rapid tests at our Geneva pharmacy

Which tests are available?

Test	How it works	Price
Strep throat test (group A streptococcus)	Throat swab done by the pharmacist, result in about 10 minutes	On request
Pregnancy test	Urine test to use at home, or advice on the right moment to test	On request
HIV self-test	Finger-prick blood test to do at home, with explanation of the result	On request
Covid-19 rapid test	Antigen self-test or test according to current availability	On request

Sore throat: should I do a strep test?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within a week; antibiotics do nothing against them. A minority are caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, more common in children and young adults. Signs pointing towards strep include a high temperature, swollen and painful glands in the neck, white spots on the tonsils and no cough.

1. Assessment. The pharmacist asks about your symptoms and checks whether a test is useful.
2. Swab. A quick swab at the back of the throat, unpleasant for a second but painless.
3. Result. In about 10 minutes.
4. Next steps. If the test is negative, we recommend treatments to relieve the pain. If it is positive, antibiotics are usually needed and require a medical prescription: we tell you how to see a doctor quickly.

Pregnancy test

Urine pregnancy tests sold in pharmacies are reliable from the first day of a missed period. Testing too early is the most common cause of a false negative: if your period still does not come, repeat the test a few days later. If you had unprotected sex in the last few days and do not want to become pregnant, a test is not the right answer: ask us about emergency contraception, which works best when taken as early as possible.

HIV self-test

HIV self-tests have been available in Swiss pharmacies since 2018. They detect antibodies from a drop of blood and give a result in about 15 minutes. A negative result is only reliable if the test is done long enough after the risk, usually three months, as stated in the instructions. A positive result must always be confirmed by a laboratory test.

Confidentiality

All tests and discussions take place in a private consultation area. We do not share your results with anyone without your consent. You can ask us questions in English, French and other languages.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a strep test at a pharmacy in Geneva?

Yes. Pharmacie de Cologny performs rapid strep throat tests with a result in about 10 minutes. If the test is positive, antibiotics require a prescription, and we help you see a doctor quickly.

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in Switzerland?

Antibiotics are prescription-only medicines in Switzerland. The pharmacist can test, advise and relieve your symptoms, but treatment with antibiotics normally requires a doctor’s prescription.

When is a pregnancy test reliable?

From the first day of a missed period. Before that, the hormone level may be too low to detect. If the result is negative but your period does not arrive, repeat the test a few days later.

Where can I buy an HIV self-test in Geneva?

HIV self-tests are sold in pharmacies, including ours. We explain how to use it and how to interpret the result, discreetly.

Do I need an appointment for a test?

No. Self-tests can be bought and strep throat tests are done without an appointment during opening hours. At busy times, calling ahead helps you avoid waiting for a pharmacist.