LFD service myth busting series (#2)
This is the second of a series of articles to tackle some of the misconceptions around the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) service. The articles will cover a variety of aspects of the LFD service and aims to myth bust, to increase understanding of the service.
All patients who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination are also eligible for LFD tests via the LFD service.
Wrong! There are differences in the eligible groups for the COVID-19 Vaccination Service and the LFD service.
The eligible groups for the LFD service can be found in our Eligible patient groups for the LFD service factsheet.
I can supply two boxes of LFD test kits if the patient requests this.
Wrong! No. The maximum number that can be provided in a single transaction is one box of five tests.
Care and nursing homes can obtain free LFD tests for all their patients via the LFD service.
Wrong! Care homes can still obtain LFD test kits from community pharmacies who offer the LFD service. However, they can only obtain free test kits for patients who are eligible for the service.
In May last year, the eligible groups for the service were reduced and this removed eligibility for some patients who were residents in care homes. However, some patients will still be eligible.
The care or nursing home would need to check which of their patients are eligible; we have an eligible patient groups for the LFD service factsheet, which could be shared with them or they can review NICE’s guidance which lists the risk factors for progression to severe COVID-19 in young people aged between 12 and 17 years and adults. These patients are therefore potentially eligible for COVID-19 treatments should they catch COVID-19 and are eligible to access free LFD test kits from community pharmacies under the LFD service.
A representative of the patient, such as a care worker employed by the care home, can request LFD tests at the pharmacy. They would need to provide their name and address as the representative, as well as the patient’s details (name, NHS number (if available), date of birth, address and reason for eligibility).
If patients are not eligible for the LFD service, the pharmacy could offer to sell LFD tests to care homes.
