Procurement of Lateral Flow Devices
We are pleased to announce the recent transition of Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to NHS Supply Chain.
LFDs, commonly known as Rapid COVID-19 Lateral Flow Antigen Self-Tests, are available to order through our online catalogue.
We have worked with NHS England to develop a solution that best reflects our customers’ needs, to ensure a smooth transition and consistency of supply through a new Unit of Issue (UOI) that is more manageable for trusts.
PPE Funding
NHS trusts will receive fixed funding allocations (through their ICB) for the commissioning of COVID-19 testing services for their populations. This will comprise of PCR testing services and LFD hospital-based testing services as set out in the ICB core programme allocations.
LFDs will be available in a pack of 20 with a minimum order value of 100 individual tests. LFD tests are a simple to use diagnostic device for confirming the presence or absence of a target analyte in a timely manner.
Lateral Flow antigen tests and rapid antigen tests in recent years have been used to test for COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, Flu AB and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in UK Healthcare.
The test requires no specialist training to use and includes an easy to follow, visual instruction guide for the end user.
LFDs transition FAQs
How to order
If you’re ordering on behalf of your organisation, you can place an order through our NHS Supply Chain online catalogue.
Please refer to the updated COVID-19: testing guidance published in April 2024: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-testing-from-1-april-2024
Yes, you can order in the same way as a trust. Please ensure you notify the relevant personnel within the trust that you are ordering on behalf of them. You should mark-up clearly that the order is for multiple trusts and specify the ICS / ICB.
Delivery information
LFDs are fully integrated into our network and will be dispatched by NHS Supply Chain on a regional basis as normal.
Deliveries will be made two days after orders have been placed in line with your agreed delivery days. For example, orders placed on Monday will be delivered on Wednesday, or on your set delivery day.
Please contact our Hospital Care team during the working week should you require an emergency supply.
Set up the new NPC ready to purchase from the NHS Supply Chain online catalogue and ensure consistent ordering post April to manage stock.
Charges and PPE funding
We have received feedback from trusts on the box quantity and have made provisions for smaller quantities to be purchased in packs of 20 with a minimum order value of 100. Charges are 39p per individual test.
Queries and complaints
If the complaint is related to the product, please complete the TICT survey: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-kit-give-feedback-or-report-harm
If the complaint is related to the ordering and delivery procedure, please contact england.covid-testing@nhs.net.
During the working week (Monday – Friday), we will endeavour to respond to all emails within 24 hours, with a solution or action plan drafted within 72 hours.
Following the closure of the gov.uk reporting portal, trusts are to collate and report results centrally through SDCS.
Useful Links
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Hospital Care Team
Contact details for our Hospital Care Team (ICS Managers - previously known as Customer Relationship Managers).