Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Service

The NHS offers COVID-19 treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at risk of becoming seriously ill. Prior to the introduction of this service, rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests were available to order by these patients on GOV.UK or by calling NHS 119. These kits were then delivered directly to the patient’s home.

From 6th November 2023, LFD tests will no longer be available via GOV.UK or via NHS 119. LFD tests still need to be available and easily accessible to people who are potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatments through routine NHS access routes. It is estimated, that in the short-term, the number of potentially eligible patients will remain at around 3.9 million. Although access to LFD tests may be supplemented by other pathways (e.g. through anticipatory or specialist care), community pharmacy is well placed within the local community to provide local and rapid access for patients.

Access to COVID-19 community-based treatment will continue to be based on a confirmed COVID-19 infection, which can only be reliably achieved with a diagnostic LFD test, in line with some of the recommended treatment’s product licences. Given the short efficacy window for treatment and practical implications of point of care testing, tests need to be available for patients to access in advance of developing symptoms.

The objective of this service is to offer eligible at risk patients access to LFD tests to enable testing at home for COVID-19, following symptoms of infection. A positive LFD test result will be used to inform a clinical assessment to determine whether the patient is suitable for and will benefit from NICE recommended COVID-19 treatments.

More information is available here.

To support community pharmacy teams in offering the LFD service, we have put together a guide on eligible patient groups which can be found here.