Latest update from PSNC on lateral flow device stock

On 5th January 2022, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) provided this update from the UKHSA on the stock availabililty and distribution of lateral flow device (LFD) test kits:

"The unprecedented public demand for Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits via the Pharmacy Collect service continues.

"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are continuing to deliver stock to Alliance Healthcare for onward delivery to pharmacies. PSNC has been in regular contact with the UKHSA about the supply issues and we have the following update for pharmacy teams.

"By the end of this week (8th January 2022), the UKHSA will have distributed over 8 million tests to Alliance Healthcare (representing c.1,142,800 individual packs of 7 tests and just over 19,000 cartons). The UKHSA has indicated that Alliance Healthcare are delivering 86% of their orders within 24 hours of the pharmacy order, with almost half of that on the same day.

"For the remainder of January the UKHSA is planning to distribute 10.5 million tests per week (c. 1.5 million individual packs of 7 tests and just over 25,000 cartons) via Alliance Healthcare, replenishing Alliance Healthcare depots as test kits are distributed to pharmacies."

You can read the PSNC's full update, including advice for contractors on ordering LFD kits, on their website.