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

Lateral Flow Testing Roll-Out in Primary Care

NHSE has sent a letter to all primary care contractors with information on how to order and receive deliveries of lateral flow antigen testing kits for staff.

Staff referrals for COVID-19 Testing

Primary care employers can refer staff (and staff can ask their employer to be referred) for a PCR swab test via the East London Health Care Partnership offer, using the ELHCP COVID-19 PCR swab test booking system 7 days a week.

Asymptomatic staff testing

Following further scientific validation of the lateral flow testing modality, and confirmation over the weekend from Test and Trace that they can now supply the NHS with sufficient test kits, we are pleased to confirm that asymptomatic testing will be made available to all patient-facing NHS staff.

Update on availability of anti-body testing for GP practice staff

The NEL offer now includes General Practice staff, community pharmacy, clinical commissioning groups, STP and the NEL Commissioning Support Unit.

COVID-19 Home Test Guidance

This option is available to NEL Health and Social Care Staff only