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No lateral flow tests available

(207 Posts)
MaizieD Mon 13-Dec-21 10:21:43

I've just tried to send for a pack of LFTs via the government web site.

There are none available.

(I'd screenshot the page but I've never got the hang of screenshotting...)

Where does this leave us all?

Ginpin Tue 14-Dec-21 12:29:33

Just tried in Boots. They have them but I did not have a 16 digit pin code ?????????

MissAdventure Tue 14-Dec-21 12:21:55

Its easier to get an audience with the Pope than a roll of pink sacks from our library at the best of times.

MaggsMcG Tue 14-Dec-21 12:20:26

The reason we had to get a code was basically 100s of thousands of LFT packs have been taken but over half the people are not bothering to register the results. Therefore the powers that be have decided that they are not being used and sitting on a shelf somewhere. I doubt they are but a lot of people don't want to register in case they get pinged

Lizbethann55 Tue 14-Dec-21 12:19:48

I work in our local library which also houses NHS clinics and some council services. We have boxes full of test kits. Try asking round to see where else you may be able to get them from

MissAdventure Tue 14-Dec-21 12:18:06

Nice if you're able to get to a pick up point.
Sadly I can't at the moment.

Growing0ldDisgracefully Tue 14-Dec-21 12:15:34

Babs , yes PCR tests, according to the BBC 'breaking news' I just heard. Which means if you have a positive result from a lateral flow test you won't be able to get it confirmed or denied. Presumably this will be a short lived shortage but no doubt further announcements will be made in due course.

caci Tue 14-Dec-21 12:12:57

You can go online and request a code, which you then take to a chemist or other pick up point. I'm not sure if you have to specify which collection point you'll be going to, or if the code will work anywhere that has LFT in stock.

Kali2 Tue 14-Dec-21 12:11:56

Just found a box we'd got last Spring before travelling to UK.

MissA- we will be in L.Spa for Christmas - if we make it over! Then off to Surrey.

sundowngirl Tue 14-Dec-21 12:11:01

JenniferEccles

Maybe he’s concentrating on organising the massive increase in the booster vaccination programme, among endless other things which require his time and attention.

But no, let’s forget about all that and just take the opportunity for another Boris bash.

I totally agree JenniferEccles - they never miss an opportunity to Boris bash. He has a poison chalice - dammed if he does and dammed if he doesn't.

Riggie Tue 14-Dec-21 12:05:54

Oops that's supposed to be the Boots pharmacy I use!!

Riggie Tue 14-Dec-21 12:04:50

Casdon

Collecting them from our nearest pharmacies and libraries? I picked up two boxes on Friday with no issue, they had loads.

The viits U use had a note up to say they had none and didn't know when they would get more. (That was not why we went in as we have some and after next week we won't be seeing g anyone for a while so don't need any more.

Babs758 Tue 14-Dec-21 12:03:28

Sorry, do you mean PCR tests? That is a worry if one is doing the 2-day testing after returning from abroad...

Growing0ldDisgracefully Tue 14-Dec-21 12:02:28

PCR that should read. Sorry.

Growing0ldDisgracefully Tue 14-Dec-21 12:02:00

Just announced as 'breaking news' on this morning's news :no OCR tests available anywhere in the UK. That has many serious implications.

GrauntyHelen Tue 14-Dec-21 12:01:07

Nobody panic ! There isn't a shortage Lfts are released onto the website in batches there will be more available shortly -8pm daily in Scotland There isn't an actual shortage Meanwhile tests available at test sites vaccination centres community pharmacies etc Lets not have a rerun of the toilet roll fiasco

Larsonsmum Tue 14-Dec-21 12:00:52

I always make sure I have a stock of everything, and for me that is no different with these tests, as was doing 2/3 tests a week.

It is a shambles they have run out meantime, but understandable really, as the buffoon that is Boris announced all this with no thought on logistics/forward planning. (probably the same way he has added child no 7 to his family).

Pharmacies will still have stocks, and hopefully that will tide people over until they can order online again.

FannyCornforth Tue 14-Dec-21 09:12:21

Absolutely brilliant MissA! smile

BlueSapphire Tue 14-Dec-21 09:10:09

I've ordered successfully this morning.

Hetty58 Tue 14-Dec-21 08:31:52

multicolourswapshop, PCR tests are available if you have any symptoms, such as a temperature, and are more accurate.

rosie1959 Tue 14-Dec-21 08:29:07

multicolourswapshop

Mazied they’re now saying these LFT tests aren’t fully effective why not get the other kind which name escapes me you can send for a special courier to deliver and collect if you’re unable to get around, my dh had to do this at one time it was such a desperate moment thankfully all was well.

I think you are talking about PCR tests which are not for regular use but for people with symptoms of Covid

multicolourswapshop Tue 14-Dec-21 08:23:56

Mazied they’re now saying these LFT tests aren’t fully effective why not get the other kind which name escapes me you can send for a special courier to deliver and collect if you’re unable to get around, my dh had to do this at one time it was such a desperate moment thankfully all was well.

Ashcombe Tue 14-Dec-21 08:13:30

Excellent, MissAdventure!

I had the same message from the NHS website but then tried again without leaving a gap in my postcode and was offered my usual local pharmacy with a QR code to show.

JaneJudge Tue 14-Dec-21 08:11:53

love it smile smile

MayBeMaw Tue 14-Dec-21 08:01:57

tchgrintchgrintchgrin
I like your style MissAdventure !

MissAdventure Tue 14-Dec-21 07:57:26

We three kings from leamington spa,
Bearing lfts in our car...
Masked up nicely,
All jabbed thricely,
We'd better not stop at a bar....