Can't get any LFT

[Littleguggi]

Can't seem to get hold of any lateral flow tests, been to 4 or 5 different pharmacies near me! You can't seem to order them online anymore either! I work for the NHS and have patient facing contact, at this rate I'll have to cancel all my clinics for the week to protect me and my patients. Is it the same where you live?

I ordered some online earlier. It takes a few days to arrive now instead of 1, but they are still offering online. I think it depends how much traffic the site is getting at one time. Maybe try later at night or early morning?

Just keep checking. Stock changes all the time. First thing in the morning seems to be a good time to order.

Thank you I will try that!

This is the message I am currently getting on the site:

Sorry, there are no home delivery slots left for rapid lateral flow tests right now
You can still pick up rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy or collection point today. Only pick up tests if you do not have symptoms.

Do you know anyone who works in a school? I have about four boxes kicking around at home.

I've managed to order some this evening .

Try the website just after midnight.

@Littleguggi

Can't seem to get hold of any lateral flow tests, been to 4 or 5 different pharmacies near me! You can't seem to order them online anymore either! I work for the NHS and have patient facing contact, at this rate I'll have to cancel all my clinics for the week to protect me and my patients. Is it the same where you live?

If you’re frontline you should be able to get them from your employer.

I do know people working in schools, but why would they be handed boxes of LFT when those of us working in NHS don't

@WouldIBeATwat you would think so, we were given them up until 3 months ago when we got told to order directly from gov.uk website

I've managed to order from the website by going on multiple times at odd hours, but they ones I ordered on Wednesday haven't arrived yet...

Tried 4 pharmacies today and no joy. Even asked at the test centre which I was passing but they were all out!

I don’t know why NHS staff aren’t but there were loads at my work last week and everyone was encouraged to go and get two boxes each. So worth a try.

I lost my sleep over the whole situation but there is a bright side - managed to order LFT around 4 a.m.
Friend also told me he managed to get it after midnight yesterday

I even asked at a walk in test centre whilst getting my daughter a PCR earlier

Went for my booster yesterday and they had a room full of them that they were giving out to everyone. My son can also get them from school.

If you’re frontline you should be able to get them from your employer.

Sadly not. We have a lateral flow team, who's main role as far as I can tell is to send us regular reminder emails about LFTs. I emailed them to say 'can't - can't get any, can you supply?' and just got a standard response telling me to order online.

@Littleguggi just keep trying and sooner or later you should get some. But it's far from ideal and I suspect only going to get worse.

Must depend on what area you live in

@Littleguggi

I do know people working in schools, but why would they be handed boxes of LFT when those of us working in NHS don't

Because schools can order huge boxes of LFTs for their staff and students. I get mine from school.

If your daughter is waiting on a pcr result are you not self isolating anyway? Round about me they had some at the library, maybe try there.

It's just mad! I'll try the suggestions of trying the website at an odd hour, and try not to loose any sleep over the whole situation!

I got some online at 5am this morning.

Maybe try posting on a neighbourhood/community Facebook group or similar? Someone may have a stash and be happy to give you a box.

I have a box of the older style throat & nose swabs that I won’t use now the nasal only one are available and we have those, I find the throat ones absolutely horrendous to do. My DP is using them up twice a week but I knew a neighbour working in the NHS needed them I’d hand them over and gamble in getting more in a few weeks.

LizzieMacQueen yes, I'm hopeful to have her PCR back by Tuesday which is when I'm next in work, wishful thinking maybe. Although last couple PCR's we have had came back in 24hrs

Gosh yes we have loads at home, the secondary school keep chucking them at our children!

I've ordered two sets online this week, first took a fee attempts over two days but last lot were straightforward. Taking three days to arrive now though, whereas previous were next day. None being handed out locally.

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat this makes me so mad, surely people should only take them if they need them. I can imagine lots of people have stashes at home hence those of us who need them can't get any!

Do you have a library? Ours has had them to give out since day one. Also worth asking if you have any friends who work in a school who can get you some. If you have a local fb page you could ask on there, someone might give you a box?