21 December 2020

Lateral flow testing update – England

On 17 December, some NHS England and NHS Improvement regional teams wrote to contractors stating that the use of lateral flow tests and reporting “is a mandatory requirement of all primary care contractors”. It is not.

Tests are voluntary but strongly encouraged for the benefit of colleagues and patients. Once tests are performed, reporting is mandatory.

This misunderstanding is now being addressed at a local level. In the meantime, members should refer to the official FAQs on lateral flow testing for the official version of how to participate in this important public health initiative.