Lateral flow tests now require QR code.

I reported a couple of LFTs, I did pick up the test kits before 4th Oct all I needed to do was scan the test onto the NHS app, seemed to work seamlessly

I have always had my lateral flow tests delivered by post. I order on line and they come next day. I read the booklet and followed the instructions. I have always reported the results even though everyone has been negative. It's very easy to do on line. The last 2 lots of kits it has changed you don't have to swab your tonsils and nostril just nostrils and test only takes 15mins after leaving swab in fluid for a minute.

I still snap the venue code when there is one on the trace and track app. Wear my mask and use gel.

People have got complacent and noticed people who used to wear masks on the bus aren't doing so now. Which is madness if you can wear a mask it's important to do so for the people who can't. I noticed it is all age ranges.

Masks help against Covid and now flu season is upon us they can help stop the spread of flu.

Now wonder Covid numbers are rising. Luckily hospital admissions are down. But people are still getting very ill.

I have ordered some online and I don’t have a problem reporting the result.
However I did have a problem with the local pharmacy saying they had run out of test kits and didn’t expect a delivery for two weeks. The pharmacist said I may get some from the local library but they are closed on Tuesdays.

Hooray JJ!

Alegrias, I scanned them this morning. It worked

I have noticed there are some bits missing or extras in some of the boxes btw, is anyone else finding this? We were a tube short in this pack but also have the scanner thing left from another pack

I picked up a couple of boxes from the local pharmacy, only to find 10 in each box, so well stocked for awhile.

I’m doubtful of the value of testing, it’s past the time to treat Covid the same as influenza - get vaccinated and stay at home if you are ill.

I had a problem with this with my last batch Atqui . The new batch I received are fine so far.

Has anyone else had problems getting the foil lid off the ‘extraction buffer tube’? I couldn’t use several of them

Being double vaxxed does not stop you getting covid. My DD & SiL caught it from my young GD. Both really unwell and tired. GD fine but no symptoms.

Thank you for this information. We've regularly been doing these since April but I didn't know you now needed a code. I've not seen this anywhere on the news and it wasn't easy to pick up on Google but I've since ordered, now have a code and can pick up at my local chemist on Monday.

I agree that many older people cannot access online stuff ( my husband included ) .

As I said earlier, the new system only came into use this week, so presumably anyone giving out tests without a QR code is not following NHS guidelines. I have had the nasal swab tests since August and it says in the instructions to wait 15 minutes for the result.

I agree magshard20.

Once again presumptions that everyone has access to a smart phone, computer etc. Not everyone is technically literate, I know older people who don't have access to smart phone, computer, even bank card or cheque book. Why do the government not realise this, older people are being penalised for not being tech savvy!!

I NEVER do these tests. I have had my double vaccine, so I have done this bit for the community. Had to self-isolate twice this year and it affected my mental health. I want my freedom back.

We have been testing ourselves before meeting friends and family and have collected lateral flow tests from our local pharmacy who say "they're in that large box, just help yourselves'", so no form filling necessary at this stage.

One batch was nasal swabs only but the latest have been back to throat and nose (boo hoo).

I mentioned the nasal swab kits to friends who went in search only to be told by a branch of a large chain of chemists that 'no such thing exists'. They do!

It is a bit galling that we test to protected our friends but some of them do not take lateral flow tests (to protect us...).

Anyone else have this conundrum?

My understanding is that the tests have been improved now and the newest ones sent out if ordered online only require you to swab your nose. They are easier to use and only need 15 minutes to develop so a big improvement. Hopefully this will encourage more people to test regularly which will protect us all from those infected people who are asymptomatic which is the whole point of the exercise. I often end up testing 3 times a week as I try to test before each singing occasion as well as when I'm meeting elderly friends indoors. I always report the result. When you order online you have to agree to do that if I remember correctly, and the kit certainly instructs you to report the result.

I have had a positive LFT but did another immediately afterwards which was negative, then had a PCR which was also negative so the positive one was probably a false result. It did cause minor inconvenience as I was about to travel home from holiday so had to stay an extra 2 days to await the PCR result, but better safe than sorry!

Tesco Pharmacy has only ever asked for my postcode. I didn't bother asking why.

I went to Sainsbury pharmacy to get some LFt's. I rang the 119 number and 15 minutes later it still had not given me the info needed. I finally managed to get a qr code; the pharmacist then had to hand write all the numbers in a book with my name, address etc. It took 20 minutes. It's hard to believe everyone will carry on doing this. What about school children, students etc? The pharmacy had been without the tests for at least 2 weeks before.

My new LFT arrived this morning. I see you only have to do nasal swabs, not throat ones.

Good, I always gag.

Urmstongran

Goodness only knows what all this ‘free’ testing is costing us taxpayers.

Do you mean "public money" Urmstongran?

We all pay tax - be it income, corporation or VAT - even people on UC pay tax.

The idea that there is a separate group of the population defined as 'taxpayers' seems a bit odd to me.

Mind you - until recently, I think only the Queen was not obliged to pay tax, and most wealthy people sought to move their money offshore into British Tax Havens.

A recent report from two universities in Austria and two in the UK following trials suggests that the LFT is as accurate as the PCR test now.

This link is interesting:
www.research.ox.ac.uk/article/2021-07-14-lateral-flow-tests-are-95-effective-at-detecting-covid-19-when-used-at-the-onset-of-symptoms

The earlier use of LFT a compared with PCR suggested that LFTs were not so effective - but they were cheap. Maybe they've improved the supply chain and the quality of supply.

I think there a variety of different ones in circulation Anne, I don't think you need to worry about what make they are - just remember to check the instructions as they give different advice on what to do.

I wasn’t aware that there were new tests although I did know about the different way of ordering them. I got my last box about two weeks ago from the chemists and they gave me a leaflet about the new method of ordering.

Does this mean the old tests are no longer any use? My mums care home were still using the original ones on Wednesday.

I rather fancy that the costs are now becoming considerable, wouldn’t be surprised to hear that they are being charged for soon