NHSE Lateral Flow Device Tests Supply Service for Patients Potentially Eligible for COVID-19 Treatments
Service Update 1st April 2024
There are now further cohorts eligible to access the NHSE LFD Service in addition to those previously eligible. These are:
- People aged 85 years and over;
- People with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device;
- People on the organ transplant waiting list;
- People aged 70 years and over, or who have a BMI of 35kg/m2 or more, diabetes or heart failure, and:
- Are resident in a care home; or
- Are already hospitalised.
Background
The NHS offers treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at risk of becoming seriously ill. These eligible at-risk patients were previously able to access LFD tests through NHS 111 or gov.uk, however from the 6th of November these routes will no longer be available. They will instead be able to obtain tests through this community pharmacy service.
Objective
Following symptoms of infection, eligible at-risk patients will be able to access at home testing for COVID-19. A positive result will be used to inform clinical assessment to determine whether the patient is suitable for and will benefit from NICE-recommended COVID-19 treatments.
Overview
On the 6th of November 2023, the LFD Service will be added to the NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework as an Advanced service, so contractors may choose if they wish to begin providing the service.
Supplies can be made by any appropriately trained member of the pharmacy team, however referral to a pharmacist or pharmacy technician may be needed if staff are uncertain of patient eligibility.
Patient eligibility must be confirmed before making a supply. Patients must be aged 12 or over and part of the potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatment cohort (as detailed in NICE guideline Supporting information on risk factors for progression to severe COVID-19).
LFD tests may be ordered through Phoenix using the following PIP Code:
- 6782320 (2SAN FLOWFLEX COVID TEST, 5PK)
Resources
For further information on this service, please visit the CPE hub page.