Navigating Free COVID-19 Test Availability in Scotland

Published: 31/07/24

Pharmacy teams across Scotland are seeing a rise in requests for free COVID-19 tests which is leading to some confusion. During the COVID-19 Pandemic community pharmacies across Scotland operated the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Collect Service which provided COVID-19 tests to members of the public at no cost. The service formed a part of the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect Plan.

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However, on Tuesday 15th March 2022, the First Minister announced Scotland’s Test and Protect Transition Plan and the gradual drawdown of testing facilities available in Scotland.  As part of that transition, the LFD Collect service operated from community pharmacies ceased on Thursday 31st March 2022. 

Who is Eligible for COVID-19 Tests at no Cost and how do they access them? 

Many patients will look to internet search engines to understand what is available to them locally. We have conducted searches and have found that on occasions the results would indicate that the public can access the tests at community pharmacies. This is not the case in Scotland. NHS England offers a tool to find pharmacies, in England, that provide free COVID-19 tests. This is specific to England and does not apply to Scotland. For reference:  Find a pharmacy that offers free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

In Scotland, free COVID-19 tests are strictly available to vulnerable patients who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus. Pharmacy teams can inform patients of this guidance to help manage expectations. COVID-19 tests are available to those who are eligible and can be ordered online via NHS Inform: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Treatments | NHS inform.  

It is important to note that, if a patient meets the criteria and needs to order a COVID-19 test but has not used the NHS Scotland test kit ordering portal, they will need to register an account to access this service for the first time or call 0800 008 6587 for assistance. 

While the LFD Collect Service has ended, vulnerable individuals still have access to free testing through NHS Inform, ensuring those at the highest risk receive the support they need. For further assistance, patients can be directed to the NHS Scotland test kit ordering portal or the helpline provided above. 

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