Corona has Germany firmly under control: More and more unvaccinated, but also vaccinated people are infected with the corona virus. To make sure that you can still see friends and family with a clear conscience, many do a quick test at home or at work. While the test sticks were sold out almost everywhere at the beginning of the pandemic, you could easily stock up on the quick tests in the last few weeks. But the corona self-tests are slowly becoming scarce in many shops. And once you've finally found one, you'll quickly notice: the prices have risen noticeably. What does that mean? And where else can you get a rapid corona test?
The increasing demand is the reason why rapid corona tests are suddenly out of stock. At the beginning of last year, the pharmacists' association announced that availability was becoming critical. "In many places, tests are no longer available," explained Thomas Preis, head of the North Rhine pharmacists' association, to the Rheinische Post. However, this is only a snapshot, i.e. we know that there will only be short-term bottlenecks - which also explains the rising prices. And in retail, too, it is assumed that availability will soon increase again. Until then, you can still get the rapid corona tests in many online shops and pharmacies. You can find out exactly where in the next section.
Online pharmacies such as Aponeo, Pharmeo and Shop Apotheke still have rapid corona tests for at home. And perfumeries like Douglas and Flaconi still have capacity. Many drugstore chains and discounter brands such as Rossmann, dm or Lidl, on the other hand, currently have a small contingent, so the respective online shops refer to their branches in which there should still be test sticks - you can find out exactly which ones on the website to find out. And if even internet giants like Amazon are going through a dry spell, Prime members can still get a corona self-test via fresh. However, before you stock up on a bulk order, remember that other people also want to benefit from it. Only buy as many tests as you really need. Otherwise, there will certainly be plenty of supplies again shortly.
Most corona self-tests are suitable for the so-called nose or throat swab. You can find out how the test is used in detail in the manufacturer's instructions for use. It is important to know that you should always follow the instructions exactly. The more precisely you perform the test, the more accurate the result. If you have done a quick corona test, you have to wait another 15 to 20 minutes before you can read the result. The following is an example of how to use Aponeo's Corona self-test:
Nasal swab If you want to take the sample from the nose, the swab must be inserted into it (at least 1.5 centimeters deep) until you feel a slight resistance. Run the stick in a circle along the inner wall of your nose for 15 seconds four to six times – and repeat the process in your other nostril.
Throat swab If you want to take the sample from your mouth, the Robert Koch Institute recommends using a spatula to press your tongue down. Then you have to move the swab along the throat in circular movements without touching the roof of your mouth (or your tongue).
In both cases, the stick is then soaked in the liquid in the extraction tube for at least 15 seconds by rotating and squeezing it (from the outside) several times. Squeeze the tube again when removing the swab. Then put four to five drops of the liquid in the opening of the test cassette. Finally, wait 15 minutes before reading the result.
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