Changes to the free LFD COVID-19 home test collection service from pharmacies

From the 4 October 2021, a number of changes are being made to the service at pharmacies. The changes are being made to increase traceability of test kits and to continue to assist NHS Test and Trace to identify COVID-positive cases in the community and break the chain of transmission.

The changes to the service will apply from 4 October 2021 and they include:

• A reduction in the number of packs of test kits you can collect from pharmacies from 4 to 2.
• Residents will need to register for a collect code through gov.uk/get-collect-code (external link) or by calling 119 before collecting home test kits from a pharmacy;
• If residents do not wish to register for a collect code, you can request an anonymous collection, but you should use collect codes wherever possible;
• Information on the test kit lot number and the number of test kits supplied will be recorded and reported for each transaction
• This data will be recorded daily to help identify areas of COVID-19 testing demand and support traceability of outbreaks.
• The minimum recommended age for a person to collect LFD test kits will be reduced to 16 years old.

For more information on regular rapid lateral flow COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms visit nhs.uk (external site)