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Procurement of Lateral Flow Devices

2 April 2024

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.

The National Product Code (NPC) for LFDs has changed to KBD85000. There will be no change to the product itself but there is now a minimum order value of 100 individual tests.

Lateral Flow Device Test

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

I work at a trust and need to order some Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests. How can I order these through NHS Supply Chain?

If you’re ordering on behalf of your organisation, you can place an order through our NHS Supply Chain online catalogue. The National Product Code (NPC) for LFDs has changed to KBD85000. There will be no change to the product itself but there is now a minimum order value of 100 individual tests.
 
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

I work within an Integrated Care System (ICS) / for an Integrated Care Board (ICB), can I order on behalf of trusts?

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

How is the LFD stock delivered to trusts? 

LFDs are fully integrated into our network and will be dispatched by NHS Supply Chain on a regional basis as normal. 

Once I’ve placed an order, how long will it take for me to receive the stock? 

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.

I require an emergency supply, which I previously would have received via 119 within 48 hours, how can I do the same via NHS Supply Chain?

Please contact our Hospital Care team during the working week should you require an emergency supply.

What do I need to do to ensure that I can access a smooth continuous supply of tests?

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

What charges are applicable from 1 April 2024 if I want to continue to purchase LFDs?

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 I have a complaint regarding LFDs that NHS Supply Chain provided, ordered through Foundry, who do I contact?

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.

I have raised a query with NHS Supply Chain. What is the time frame in which I can expect a response?  

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.

Since Gov.uk is no longer available for the reporting of test results, how do I report a test result for myself or on behalf of my trust?

Following the closure of the gov.uk reporting portal, trusts are to collate and report results centrally through SDCS.