LFD service myth busting series (#4)
This is the fourth 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.
This is the fourth 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.
The LFD service is only available for adults.
Wrong! Children aged 12 and over who have risk factors for progression to severe COVID-19 (as detailed in NICE guidelines Supporting information on risk factors for progression to severe COVID-19) are eligible to access the service.
I need to notify the patient’s GP practice that I have supplied the patient/patient representative with an LFD test kit.
Wrong! You do not need to notify the patient’s GP practice.
A patient must have a letter advising that they are eligible to receive free LFD test before we can make a supply under the LFD service.
Wrong! If the patient does not have a letter there are other ways to confirm eligibility such as:
- Having a discussion with the patient or their representative about the patient and their medical history, confirming they have a qualifying condition or qualify due to age. The pharmacist or pharmacy technician may wish to review the pharmacy’s PMR or the National Care Records Service (NCRS) and then use their clinical judgement; or
- Referring to the pharmacy’s clinical records for the service, where the pharmacy has previously seen and made a record of having seen a copy of the patient’s NHS letter confirming eligibility or has previously had a discussion with the patient or their representative which confirmed their eligibility and a record of this was made.
If I decide to stop providing the LFD service, I don’t need to notify anyone.
Wrong! If you wish to stop providing the LFD service, you must notify the commissioner that you are no longer going to provide the service via the MYS portal, giving at least 30 days’ notice prior to stopping the service.
You should also update NHS Profile Manager to remove the LFD service as a service that is being provided by your pharmacy.
View the first article on LFD service myth busting
