Lateral flow device distribution and assuring compliance to testing regimes

Asymptomatic staff testing remains an important component of infection prevention and control, which all organisations and staff should adhere to.

Changes to how primary care staff access lateral flow devices for asymptomatic testing

The way that NHS staff across all primary care contractor groups (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) order lateral flow device (LFD) tests is changing.

NHS asymptomatic staff testing: Lateral flow device distribution and assuring compliance to testing regimes

We are writing to inform you of important changes to the NHS staff asymptomatic COVID-19 testing programme.

Reminder to continue to perform Lateral Flow Device testing amongst asymptomatic staff

It is important that we protect all patients and NHS healthcare workers, vaccinated or not, by ensuring that all NHS healthcare workers continue to maintain regular asymptomatic testing

Usage of lateral flow devices for asymptomatic staff testing

On 30 March, the revised Standard operating procedure: Usage of lateral flow devices for asymptomatic staff testing at vaccination sites document was published.

Reminder to place an order of lateral flow devices

All primary care contractors are reminded that they should place their order for lateral flow devices (LFDs) on the PCSE online portal by Sunday 21 March

Ordering and delivery of second round of lateral flow devices

All primary care contractors (medical, pharmacy, dentistry and optometry) will be invited this week directly by Primary Care Support England (PCSE) to place their second round of orders for lateral flow devices (LFDs)

Reporting COVID-19 lateral flow test results - AI trial

NHS Digital are trialling new artificial intelligence (AI) software to read test results of lateral flow devices, which will make reporting results quicker, easier to understand and more accurate.

Testing requirement for visiting professionals entering care homes

Reminder of PCR swab testing service in general practice

If GP practices have not signed up to the service yet, they can still do so via ordering test kits page

Contractors who have not yet ordered lateral flow tests

If contractors (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) have not yet placed their order, it is important that they log onto the portal and complete their order as soon as possible

Lateral flow antigen test for pregnant women and support people

Frequently asked questions