New rules after 4th October - lateral flow test 1 October 2021 at 10:44PM edited 1 October 2021 at 10:46PM in Coronavirus travel help & info 10 replies 311 views

javixeneize

Hi

as usual, the information from the govt is confusing and hard to understand. They say that at the end of October instead of a pcr on arrival to England, you just need a lateral flow test, but there’s no more information than that

are nhs lateral flow tests valid to cover this requirement, or is it a specific lateral flow test I have to pay? If so, is there a list of providers?

Caz3121

It won't be NHS lateral flow tests it will be private tests.
Currently it has been reported there is a shortage so they have not announced a date when this change will be made (or the details)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58656292

NSG666

The 2 day test will continue to be PCR until a date from when lateral flow tests is announced. NHS tests have never been accepted and I cannot see this changing.

We are returning to the UK later this month so I've found a supplier for PCR tests and a supplier for lateral flow tests and will buy whichever as late as possible just in case the cheaper LF are accepted by then. When LF tests are accepted I suspect that PCR test can still be used so even if you buy a PCR test now you will be able to use it later.

NSG666

Caz3121 said:

It won't be NHS lateral flow tests it will be private tests.
Currently it has been reported there is a shortage so they have not announced a date when this change will be made (or the details)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58656292

Thanks, I'd not seen this article but having read it seems there is a simple solution for the Gov: announce that either LF or PCR tests can be used - at least some people would benefit from the cheaper tests.

javixeneize

NSG666 said:

The 2 day test will continue to be PCR until a date from when lateral flow tests is announced. NHS tests have never been accepted and I cannot see this changing.

We are returning to the UK later this month so I've found a supplier for PCR tests and a supplier for lateral flow tests and will buy whichever as late as possible just in case the cheaper LF are accepted by then. When LF tests are accepted I suspect that PCR test can still be used so even if you buy a PCR test now you will be able to use it later.

The question is if this provider will be accepted. Do you know if there is any mp working as a consultant? It will help 🙄

now, seriously, how much should I expect to pay for a lf test?

NSG666

I've just bought a couple of LF tests as they are required for my travel destination - £25 each on the EU approved list but there's the possibility that prices will increase if there is an increase in demand.

silvercar

PCR tests by post are around £40, higher for in person tests. I suspect LF tests will settle around £30. The gap between postal ones and in person will be narrow as there is no lab work involved.

MasonJar

silvercar said:

PCR tests by post are around £40, higher for in person tests. I suspect LF tests will settle around £30. The gap between postal ones and in person will be narrow as there is no lab work involved.

Good business if you can get into it considering PCR tests cost about £1.20 and LFTs cost around 30p.

javixeneize

MasonJar said:

silvercar said:

PCR tests by post are around £40, higher for in person tests. I suspect LF tests will settle around £30. The gap between postal ones and in person will be narrow as there is no lab work involved.

Good business if you can get into it considering PCR tests cost about £1.20 and LFTs cost around 30p.

Specially if you put into consideration that you can develop your own lft at home and don’t need to send it to a lab

tdeacon81

MasonJar said:

silvercar said:

PCR tests by post are around £40, higher for in person tests. I suspect LF tests will settle around £30. The gap between postal ones and in person will be narrow as there is no lab work involved.

Good business if you can get into it considering PCR tests cost about £1.20 and LFTs cost around 30p.

Especially when you consider the exorbitant mark up these firms make. The CMA investigation into travel tests is all well and good, but it will not help consumers get their heads round the burden of finding out exactly which  tests are required for each country etc and when. It puts many off going on holiday. Sadly these tests are killing UK travel industry and costing people their jobs.

silvercar

tdeacon81 said:

MasonJar said:

silvercar said:

PCR tests by post are around £40, higher for in person tests. I suspect LF tests will settle around £30. The gap between postal ones and in person will be narrow as there is no lab work involved.

Good business if you can get into it considering PCR tests cost about £1.20 and LFTs cost around 30p.

Especially when you consider the exorbitant mark up these firms make. The CMA investigation into travel tests is all well and good, but it will not help consumers get their heads round the burden of finding out exactly which  tests are required for each country etc and when. It puts many off going on holiday. Sadly these tests are killing UK travel industry and costing people their jobs.

Maybe there is a market for individual travel agents who look after their customers, checking what is required for them and guiding through the process.