Free lateral flow tests may be axed
By Gemma Raw
Update: Free lateral flow tests are no longer available for most people in the UK. Read the latest LFT guidance here.
The government has confirmed that it's reviewing the provision of free lateral flow tests. However, it's unclear when this might happen and whether charges for tests will apply to doctors, nurses and other NHS staff.
In January, it was widely reported that lateral flow tests (LFTs) would no longer be universally provided free of charge as of July this year. Now it seems that the government may be considering bringing forward that deadline, with Sky and other media outlets claiming that ministers may be planning to introduce charging for tests as early as next month. The new charging regime may not apply to key workers, such as NHS staff. However, this has not been confirmed.
The plans for phasing out LFTs could form part of the Prime Minister's forthcoming announcement on the lifting of all remaining restrictions and the 'living with COVID' strategy. This is expected at some time before the end of February, most likely when parliament returns from recess on Monday 21.
"We've previously set out that we'll keep the provision of free testing under review as the government's response to COVID-19 changes, " said a spokesperson from the Department of Health, according to Sky News. "No decisions have been made on the provision of free testing."
Counting the cost
Free universal testing has been at the heart of the strategy to combat COVID. However, it has come at a huge cost, with billions of pounds being spent on LFT kits, not to mention the massive investment in PCR testing sites and laboratories. There's been no indication from the government as to how much the fee for LFT kits might be, although it's been suggested that it may be as much as £30 for a pack containing seven tests.
Policy for NHS staff
In common with many key workers across the UK, NHS staff are still expected to do a self-administered COVID test twice a week. However, since July last year, LFT kits have no longer been supplied directly by employers to those working in NHS jobs, including frontline staff, such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Instead each employee has to order their own testing kits via the government website.
PCR follow-up
Since January this year, NHS staff who test positive using an LFT device no longer need to get a confirmatory PCR test. This was announced as a temporary measure because of the substantial rise in cases across the UK. However, currently there is no date set for the previous guidance to be reinstated.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) believes that PCR testing should be an essential requirement for nurses and other frontline healthcare staff, referring to it as the gold standard for confirmation of COVID-19 infection. A Q&A on their website says, "The RCN wants PCR testing to remain available in health and care settings, for staff and patients/clients, to ensure safe care and working environments."
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