Lateral Flow Test - Availability

[citygirl1234]

Hi,

I just wondered if anyone else is having problems getting hold of lateral flow tests via the NHS website?

I’m in London and back in the office a couple of days a week. I don’t have any lateral flow tests left. I’ve tried several days in a row now at different times of day and it says the same message every time: “Please try again later. The 119 service does not have access to more home delivery slots right now. You cannot order tests from NHS 111 or 999.“

The English guidance says if you are high risk or qualify for the treatments you should still be able to order lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms (nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir... has the English guidance and links to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish guidance).

Has anyone managed to get hold of any successfully?

[Prunes]

Have you tried ordering online or just by phone? We haven't had any problems ordering online - we're in the home counties and received a pack today.

[citygirl1234 in reply to Prunes]

I’ve only tried online, it seems to be a local thing? Glad you managed to get some

[CarolMcl]

Hi, I'm in Scotland and tried to order earlier this evening with no joy

[Lizard28 in reply to CarolMcl]

I ordered a pack last week online and they came by Royal Mail 2 days later. Hubby tested positive a week ago and I’ve been taking one every day. Glad to say I’ve been negative, that 4th jab must have done me good. On day 9 he finally tested negative so I walked to chemist and got another pack. I’m in Scotland .

[CarolMcl in reply to Lizard28]

Hi, sorry to hear about your husband. I tried to order online last night but was advised to please try again. Also tried two local pharmacies but neither had stock.

[CarolMcl in reply to Lizard28]

I've just went back online, was able to order 😁

[BrigidsFire]

I have a few tests if you’d like me to send you a pack? I’ll admit I panicked when they said they’d be paid for, and I stocked up (ish). If you want some I’m happy to send a box.

[BrigidsFire in reply to BrigidsFire]

I will add that I’m unable to order any more, despite being on the vulnerable list.

[citygirl1234 in reply to BrigidsFire]

Thanks for your very kind offer. I have a postal PCR test at home if I’m desperate because I’m immunosuppressed. I don’t have any symptoms at the moment, so I’ll persevere and I’m sure I’ll get through eventually. The online form doesn’t seem to ask any questions about if you are vulnerable or not, only if you work for the NHS. Maybe they are going to update the form at the end of the month?

[Broseley]

I got a pack yesterday in our local pharmacy. I didn't have a code either, but they said they could give me an anonymous code there and then.

[BeeManShrop]

Not had any problem here (Shropshire) recently but have learned to order online relatively early around 0800am (before the delivery slots have all gone). We can also get a pack from the library which can be handy too.

[EOLHPC]

Glad you posted citygirl: v helpful discussion!

[Loopyru]

I have had problems too especially yesterday but I persevered and finally got some around 8pm last night. It’s worth trying throughout the day. Hope you are successful. I think immunosuppressed may be able to still get free after April 1st

[Poshcards]

I had my 3 monthly metho jet pens from local chemist last week and they gave us two boxes at same time xx

[citygirl1234]

I finally managed to order a box online just now