Published: 08/06/21

The Scottish Government has just today released a circular detailing a funded Pharmacy Collect service through which the public can access Lateral Flow test Devices (LFDs).

The widespread use of LFDs for screening asymptomatic individuals is a key government priority in line with efforts to suppress the virus. As such, there is a need to have the service up and running as soon as possible so we would ask that you read the circular as soon as you are able. The service has will operating on an opt-in basis, and all the information you need to make a decision on whether to participate is included in the circular, which can be found below.

In preparation for the launch of the service, community pharmacy contractors are asked to complete the sign-up form at Annex B. All emails must contain the subject heading ‘LFD Form’.

Background

Scottish Government announced the introduction of free lateral flow home test kits for everyone in Scotland, even if they have no symptoms of COVID-19. Access to kits is currently available online or by phone.

Planning has been finalised on the operational and logistics required to allow members of the public to collect lateral flow home test kits from community pharmacies across Scotland.

This Circular sets out the requirements of pharmacy contractors and participation and remuneration fees payable to those who choose to opt-in and offer a distribution service to members of the public.

Detail

COVID-19 lateral flow antigen tests allow the detection of people with high levels of the COVID-19 virus, making them effective in identifying individuals who are most likely to transmit the virus, including those not showing symptoms.

The introduction of a Community Pharmacy COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution Service allows asymptomatic people to collect LFD test kits, free of charge, from community pharmacies, so they can undertake regular testing as part of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 route map.

It is important to note that members of the public self-administer the tests away from the pharmacy, e.g. at home. The pharmacy is not involved in the generation of test results, supporting the reporting of results or the next steps for the person taking the test.

Overview of the Service

When a contractor signs up to provide the service, they should order test kits from a wholesaler participating in the arrangements Alliance - Test kits will be supplied free of charge to pharmacies providing the service as part of their standard deliveries from the wholesaler. The test kits are supplied in cartons containing 54 boxes, with each box (for an individual person) containing seven test kits. This allows the person to test themselves twice weekly over a three-week timeframe, with an additional test kit to factor in the potential for a void test. For storage considerations the carton dimensions are 50 x 29 x 40.5 cm. 8. To support product recall and member of the public traceability, on receipt of each carton from wholesalers, contractors must make a record of the following:

• Lot Number;

• Supplying wholesaler; and

• Date of receipt,

Records should be retained for 6 months from which the stock was delivered. It is for contractors to determine a method for capturing that best suits their needs.