The other day I received a box of Lateral Flow tests in the post, quite unexpectedly. I have now received an email which explains it. We no longer have to take a PCR Test and send it off, but are to use one of the Government Lateral Flow tests. I have copied and pasted the letter below, for anybody who hasn't already received it.
"Important information about new treatments for coronavirus
Your medical records currently show you might be suitable for treatments if you get coronavirus.
You may have received a version of this letter before. It has been updated because the Government has changed the way you test for coronavirus. From 1 April you should check coronavirus symptoms using lateral flow tests, not a PCR test.
This letter explains that:
You should keep lateral flow tests at home
You should take a test if you have coronavirus symptoms. Important: You must report your test result.
If you test positive, the NHS will contact you about treatments.
For more information visit: nhs.uk/CoronavirusTreatments
Why are we sending you this letter?
Health experts have looked at the health conditions which put people at more risk from coronavirus. Those health conditions have been agreed by UK chief medical officers.
We are contacting you because your medical records currently show that you have one or more of these health conditions. This means that treatments might be suitable for you if a test confirms you have coronavirus.
These treatments can stop you from getting seriously ill and need to be given quickly after you start to have symptoms.
1. You should keep lateral flow tests at home
The UK Health Security Agency will send you one pack of lateral flow tests by 12 April. Only use them if you develop symptoms. If you run out, you can order more from gov.uk/order-coronavirus-ra... or by calling 119.
You can use any lateral flow tests supplied by the Government. Tests bought from a shop cannot currently be registered via GOV.UK or 119 and you will not be contacted about treatment if you test positive using these tests.
If you were previously sent a PCR test you can keep it. You might be asked to take a PCR if you receive treatment from the NHS.
2. You should take a test if you have coronavirus symptoms
If you have coronavirus symptoms you should take a lateral flow test immediately, even if your symptoms are mild.
You must report your result at gov.uk/report-covid19-result or by calling 119. It’s important to provide your NHS number so you can be contacted.
If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, you should take another test on each of the next two days (three tests in total over three days).
3. If you test positive, the NHS will contact you about treatments
If any of your lateral flow tests are positive and you have reported the result, the NHS should contact you about treatment. If you are not contacted within 24 hours of your positive test, call your GP surgery, 111, or your specialist clinician (if you have one), who can make an urgent referral.
Yours sincerely
Professor Stephen Powis
National Medical Director
NHS England and NHS Improvement"
Refused treatment.
