COVID Tests

Buy COVID Self-Tests: Brand Quality from Hotgen, Safecare, Clungene & parahealth diagnostics

You've already discovered the right products for your needs in our extensive range of COVID self-tests? Excellent! Here you'll find further information to help with your purchasing decision, answers to frequently asked questions, and valuable background information about corona rapid tests.

Trusted Brands, Top Quality, Affordable Prices

At Parahealth, we place the highest value on quality and reliability. That's why our range exclusively features certified COVID self-tests from renowned manufacturers that meet the highest European quality standards. All tests in our shop are CE-certified and have been validated by independent testing bodies – so you can rely on the results.

Discover, for example, the popular tests from Hotgen, which are valued for their particularly easy handling and regularly emerge as test winners. Or choose Safecare self-tests, which stand out for their excellent value for money while also offering high accuracy. The proven tests from Clungene and Sejoy are also among our best-selling products and impress with consistently reliable results. And the best part: you buy these brand products at particularly low prices from us – thanks to our position as a direct importer and bulk purchasing, we pass the price advantages directly on to you.

Special Recommendation: parahealth diagnostics COVID Self-Test – German Brand Quality for Your Safety

We particularly recommend our parahealth diagnostics COVID self-test. This test of German brand quality is developed and produced in Germany and was specially designed for easy and reliable self-testing. It combines the highest quality standards with a fair price and is ideal for regular use in private households, businesses, and institutions.

The parahealth diagnostics COVID self-test stands out through:

• German brand quality: Developed and produced in Germany according to the strictest quality standards. Each batch is comprehensively tested before it goes on sale.
• High accuracy: Comparable to PCR tests in sensitivity, ideal for reliable self-use – even in asymptomatic individuals, the test delivers dependable results.
• Easy application: Straightforward procedure with clear, multilingual instructions (DE, EN, FR, IT, ES). Can be used without any medical knowledge.
• Flexible test: Suitable for both nasal and throat swabs – you decide which method is most comfortable for you.
• Long shelf life: Stock up stress-free with a long shelf life until September 2026. Ideal for stocking up for the family or office.
• 5-pack: Practical pack size for families, offices, practices, or regular testing. Also available in bulk packs for businesses and institutions.
• Approved medical device: Complies with all required EU directives and is CE-certified. Registered with the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices).

See for yourself the advantages of the parahealth diagnostics COVID self-test!

What Types of COVID Tests Are Available?

Our range includes various test types suitable for different applications and target groups. To help you find the right test for your needs, we've summarised the key differences:

Antigen self-tests (lay tests): These tests are specifically designed for self-use by private individuals without medical expertise. They come with particularly easy-to-understand instructions and are typically designed as nasal swab tests. Lay tests are CE-certified and often bear the designation CE1434 or CE2934, confirming testing by a notified body. They are excellent for regular use at home, within the family, or at the workplace.

Professional antigen tests: Professional rapid antigen tests are intended for use by trained personnel – for example in medical practices, test centres, care facilities, or pharmacies. They often offer extended swab options (nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal) and generally deliver even higher sensitivity. Our range includes 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 professional tests that combine multiple swab methods in one kit.

Combination rapid tests (multi-pathogen tests): Our combination tests are particularly popular during the cold and flu season. These test simultaneously for multiple pathogens – such as COVID-19 and Influenza A/B, or even COVID-19, Influenza A/B, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) in a single test. This saves time and money while giving you an immediate comprehensive overview of infection status. Some of our combo tests even detect up to 5 pathogens simultaneously (COVID-19, Influenza A/B, RSV, and Adenovirus).

Lollipop tests (saliva tests): This particularly gentle test type is excellent for children and individuals who find nasal swabs uncomfortable. The swab is simply held in the mouth like a lollipop for a few seconds – painless and simple. Lollipop tests are especially popular in nurseries, schools, and families with young children.

When Should I Perform a COVID Self-Test?

A COVID self-test can be useful in many situations and contribute to the safety of those around you. We recommend testing particularly in the following situations:

• When experiencing cold symptoms: Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, body aches, or loss of taste and smell can indicate a corona infection. A rapid test provides quick clarity.
• After contact with infected persons: If you've had contact with a person who tested positive, a test is recommended after 3–5 days, as viral load is highest at this point.
• Before visiting high-risk groups: Visits to elderly or immunocompromised relatives, care homes, or hospitals – a negative rapid test provides additional safety.
• Before and after events: Whether family celebrations, corporate events, concerts, or trade fairs – a prior test minimises the infection risk for all participants.
• In professional settings: Regular workplace testing, especially with customer contact, in gastronomy, healthcare, or care, protects employees and customers alike.
• Before travel: Some countries and organisers still require a negative COVID test. Check the current entry requirements of your destination in advance.
• For regular prevention: Even without symptoms, regular self-testing – about once or twice a week – can help detect asymptomatic infections early and break chains of infection.

How an Antigen Rapid Test Works – Simply Explained

A COVID antigen rapid test detects specific proteins (antigens) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test principle is based on an immunochromatographic method: the sample is applied to a test strip coated with special antibodies. If viral antigens are present in the sample, they bind to the antibodies and produce a visible line on the test strip.

The entire process usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes and requires no laboratory – you read the result directly from the test cassette. A control line (C-line) indicates that the test was performed correctly. If a test line (T-line) also appears, this indicates a corona infection. Important: even a faintly visible test line counts as a positive result.

Instructions & Tips: How to Correctly Perform Your COVID Self-Test

Correct execution is crucial for a reliable test result. Here are the key steps at a glance:

1. Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly. Lay out all test components on a clean, flat surface. Read the enclosed instructions completely.
2. Sample collection: Carefully insert the swab approximately 2–3 cm into each nostril and rotate it 5 times against the inner wall of the nose. For lollipop tests: keep the swab in the mouth for 60–90 seconds.
3. Sample preparation: Dip the swab into the extraction tube with the buffer solution and rotate it at least 10 times. Gently press the swab against the tube wall to optimally release the sample.
4. Test execution: Drop the specified number of drops (usually 2–4) into the sample well of the test cassette.
5. Wait time: Wait exactly the specified time (usually 15 minutes). Do not read the result before or after the specified time window.
6. Read result: Two lines (C + T) = positive. One line (C only) = negative. No line or only T-line = invalid – repeat test.

In our detailed blog post "How to Correctly Perform a COVID Self-Test – Guide 2025" you'll find an even more detailed step-by-step guide with images, valuable tips, and advice for particularly reliable test results.

Sensitivity and Specificity – What Do These Values Mean?

When purchasing a COVID rapid test, you'll frequently encounter the terms sensitivity and specificity. These values are crucial for assessing test quality:

Sensitivity indicates how reliably a test detects an actually existing infection. A test with a sensitivity of 96% correctly identifies 96 out of 100 infected individuals as positive. The higher the sensitivity, the fewer false-negative results there are.

Specificity describes how reliably a test identifies healthy individuals as not infected. A test with a specificity of 99% delivers a correct negative result for 99 out of 100 non-infected individuals. High specificity means fewer false-positive results.

All tests available in our range have a sensitivity of at least 90% and a specificity of at least 97%. Many of our tests even achieve values of over 96% sensitivity and 99–100% specificity, making them extremely reliable diagnostic instruments.

COVID Tests for Businesses, Institutions, and Bulk Buyers

Do you need larger quantities of COVID rapid tests for your business, care facility, school, nursery, medical practice, or an event? As a direct importer, we offer you particularly attractive volume pricing and wholesale conditions. From medium order quantities onwards, you benefit from significantly reduced unit prices.

Our B2B advantages at a glance:

• Volume pricing: The larger the order quantity, the cheaper the unit price – you save from small quantities onwards.
• Individual quotes: Contact us for tailored pricing on bulk orders from 500 tests.
• Invoice & prepayment: Flexible payment options for business customers, including purchase on account.
• Fast delivery: Orders placed before 12:00 noon are dispatched the same day – even for bulk orders.
• Extensive range: From individual tests to combination tests to professional tests for medical use – everything from a single source.
• Personal consultation: Our team is happy to advise you on selecting the right tests for your specific area of application.

Contact us via our contact form, email, or WhatsApp for an individual quote.

Proper Storage and Shelf Life of COVID Rapid Tests

For your COVID rapid tests to deliver reliable results, proper storage is essential. Please note the following:

• Store tests at room temperature between 2°C and 30°C (depending on manufacturer specifications). Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep tests in their original packaging and only open individual packaging immediately before use.
• Do not use tests whose expiry date (best before date) has passed. At Parahealth, we always ensure current batches with a long remaining shelf life.
• If a test has been stored in cold conditions (e.g., in a car or during delivery in winter), allow it to acclimatise at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before use.
• All tests available at Parahealth have a minimum shelf life of at least 3 months from the purchase date – most significantly longer (until 2027 and beyond).

What to Do with a Positive Test Result?

Should your COVID self-test show a positive result, we recommend the following course of action:

• Stay calm: A positive rapid test is an indication of a possible infection, but not definitive proof. False-positive results are rare but do occasionally occur.
• Reduce contacts: Immediately reduce contact with other people to prevent possible transmission of the virus.
• Perform a confirmatory test: Carry out a second rapid test promptly or arrange a PCR test with your GP or a test centre.
• Monitor symptoms: Observe your health condition and consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms (shortness of breath, high fever).
• Inform contacts: Inform people with whom you've had close contact in recent days so they can also get tested.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID Self-Tests (FAQ)

Where can I buy COVID self-tests online?

At Parahealth.de! We offer you one of the largest selections of certified COVID self-tests in the German-speaking region at particularly fair prices. Order conveniently online and benefit from our fast shipping (orders before 12 noon are dispatched the same day) and secure payment methods including Klarna, Apple Pay, credit card, and purchase on account.

Which COVID tests are suitable for lay people for self-use?

All COVID self-tests in our range that are labelled as "lay test" or "self-test" are officially approved for self-use by private individuals. You can choose between different test types: nasal swab tests (most widespread), lollipop tests (particularly popular with children), saliva tests, and throat swab tests – according to your personal preferences and needs.

Are COVID rapid tests more expensive in pharmacies than online?

Generally yes. COVID self-tests from online shops like Parahealth.de are usually significantly cheaper than in pharmacies or drugstores. Through our position as a direct importer, efficient logistics, and larger purchase volumes, we can offer you attractive prices that are sometimes 50–70% below pharmacy prices – with the same quality and certification.

Which COVID test should I buy for my child?

For children, we particularly recommend COVID lollipop tests (saliva tests). These are particularly easy and pleasant to use for children, as the swab is simply held in the mouth like a lollipop for a few seconds – no uncomfortable insertion into the nose required. Alternatively, nasal swab tests with a particularly short swab that are only used in the front nasal area (approx. 1.5–2 cm) are also suitable.

How reliable are COVID self-tests?

COVID self-tests are very reliable when used correctly. The sensitivity of the tests available in our range is between 90% and 99%, with specificity typically at 97–100%. The highest accuracy is achieved in individuals with symptoms and high viral load. For a particularly reliable result, we recommend performing the test in the morning before eating and brushing teeth. If symptoms persist with a negative rapid test, the test should be repeated after 24–48 hours or a PCR test should be performed.

How long is a COVID rapid test valid?

The shelf life of COVID rapid tests varies by manufacturer and is typically 18 to 24 months from the production date. You'll find the exact best-before date (BBD) on the packaging of each product. At Parahealth, we always ensure we only offer tests with a long remaining shelf life – most of our tests are valid until 2026 or 2027.

What is the difference between a self-test and a professional test?

A self-test (lay test) is approved for independent use by private individuals without medical training. It comes with particularly easy-to-understand instructions and is typically designed as a simple nasal swab test. A professional test is intended for use by trained medical personnel and often offers extended swab options (nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal). Professional tests are used in medical practices, test centres, care homes, and pharmacies.

Can I buy COVID rapid tests on account?

Yes! At Parahealth, you can conveniently order your COVID rapid tests on account via Klarna. We also offer other secure payment methods such as Apple Pay, credit card, Giropay, and bank transfer. Business customers can also order by prepayment on request.

Do COVID rapid tests also detect newer virus variants?

Yes. Antigen rapid tests detect the nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has remained largely unchanged across all variants to date – including Omicron and its sub-variants. All tests available in our range have been tested and validated by manufacturers for the detection of current virus variants.

How do I dispose of a used COVID rapid test?

Used COVID rapid tests belong in general household waste (residual waste bin). Package the used test, swab, and extraction tube in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of them in household waste. Please do not throw used tests in recycling or paper bins. In the case of a positive test result, it is advisable to double-bag the test.

Why Buy COVID Tests from Parahealth?

Parahealth is your reliable partner for medical products and health articles in the German-speaking region. As a registered pharmaceutical dealer in the official register of the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI), we guarantee the highest safety and quality standards. Here's what sets us apart:

• Direct importer: We source our tests directly from manufacturers and can therefore offer particularly low prices.
• Verified quality: All products in our range are CE-certified and comply with European medical device regulations.
• Express shipping: Orders placed before 12:00 noon are dispatched the same day – reliably with DPD and DHL.
• Fair prices: Thanks to direct import and efficient warehousing, we offer permanently low prices – often significantly below pharmacy prices.
• Wide selection: From individual tests to combination tests to professional tests – we have the right test for every need.
• Secure payment: Apple Pay, Klarna (incl. purchase on account), credit card, Giropay, and bank transfer – choose your preferred payment method.
• Personal service: For questions, reach us quickly via WhatsApp, email, or contact form.
• Free shipping from €100: For orders with a minimum value of €100, shipping costs are completely waived.

Browse our selection now and conveniently order your COVID self-tests online from Parahealth – your reliable partner for health products! Need larger quantities for your business, facility, or event? Contact us for an individual quote.