COVID-19 self-testing (lateral flow) kits for staff
Last updated: 30 January 2025 at 16:58
LFTs are available to order from the Government website (when ordering, NHS staff should select ‘yes’ to the question: ‘Do you work for the NHS in England and take part in their staff testing programme’).
Step 1
Carry out your test using the self-testing kit.
Step-by-step instructions and an easy-to-follow video guide are available on the NHS Learning Hub website.
Step 2
Submit the results of your lateral flow test using the self-test kit reporting form, and take any other necessary action (see below).
All results must be submitted within 24 hours of the test.
Positive result
- Submit your result using the self-test kit reporting form
- You and your household must isolate as per current government guidance
- You do not need a confirmatory PCR test
Invalid result
- Submit your result using the self-test kit reporting form
- Repeat the test using another test from your self-testing kit
- Submit the results of the re-test using the self-test kit reporting form, and follow the other required steps appropriate for your result
Negative result
- Submit your result using the self-test kit reporting form
- If your result is negative, but you have virus-like symptoms, you should do a daily LFT for five days, and only come to work if your LFT remains negative and you feel well enough
- If your result is negative and you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you can return to work as usual
NHS FAQs relating to the lateral flow tests used are available to download in their original format.
Tests are voluntary, but staff are encouraged to be involved to benefit their colleagues and patients.
