Lateral Flow Tests

Lateral Flow Tests | Rapid Testing Service | Allied Pharmacies

Lateral flow tests are quick, convenient diagnostic tools that provide results within minutes, helping you make informed decisions about your health. At Allied Pharmacies, we offer a range of lateral flow testing services including COVID-19, flu, and strep A tests. Whether you need a test for travel, work, or personal health reasons, our pharmacists are here to administer the test, interpret the results, and provide expert advice on what to do next.

What Are Lateral Flow Tests?

Lateral flow tests, also known as rapid antigen tests, are simple diagnostic devices that detect specific proteins or markers associated with an infection. They work by applying a sample, such as a nasal or throat swab, to a test strip that contains antibodies designed to react with the target substance. A visible line appears on the test device within 15 to 30 minutes if the result is positive. According to the NHS, lateral flow tests are a quick and effective way to detect infections, particularly in people with symptoms.

Lateral flow tests are widely used for COVID-19 screening but are also available for other infections including influenza and streptococcal infections. While they are not as sensitive as laboratory-based PCR tests, they offer the advantage of speed and convenience, providing results while you wait at the pharmacy.

Types of Lateral Flow Tests Available

Allied Pharmacies offers a range of lateral flow tests to meet your health and travel needs:

• COVID-19 lateral flow tests – rapid antigen tests that detect active COVID-19 infection, useful for travel requirements, workplace testing, and personal peace of mind
• Flu lateral flow tests – rapid tests to detect influenza A and B, helping guide treatment decisions including the use of antiviral medication
• Strep A tests – rapid tests for streptococcal throat infections, helping determine whether antibiotics are needed for a sore throat
• Combined COVID-19 and flu tests – dual tests that can detect both viruses from a single sample

Our pharmacists can advise you on which test is most appropriate based on your symptoms and requirements.

When Should You Take a Lateral Flow Test?

There are many situations where a lateral flow test can be helpful:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19, flu, or a throat infection and want a quick diagnosis
• You need a test result for international travel or an event
• You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for an infection
• Your workplace or school requires regular testing
• You want to check your infection status before visiting a vulnerable person
• You need a test certificate for official or professional purposes

Our pharmacists can administer the test for you in the pharmacy, ensuring correct technique and accurate results. We can also provide a printed or digital test certificate if required for travel or work purposes.

How Accurate Are Lateral Flow Tests?

Lateral flow tests are most accurate when used in people who have symptoms of infection. When used correctly, they have high specificity, meaning that a positive result is very likely to be a true positive. However, they are less sensitive than PCR tests, which means there is a small chance of a false negative result, particularly in people with very low viral loads or in the early stages of infection. If you receive a negative lateral flow result but continue to have symptoms, our pharmacists can advise on further testing options.

Understanding Your Test Results

Lateral flow test results are easy to interpret with guidance from our pharmacists:

• Positive result (two lines) – the test has detected the infection. Our pharmacist will advise on treatment options, isolation guidance, and next steps.
• Negative result (one line) – the test has not detected the infection at this time. If symptoms persist, further testing or a GP consultation may be recommended.
• Invalid result (no lines or unclear) – the test has not worked correctly and needs to be repeated with a new test kit.

Lateral Flow Tests for Travel

Some countries still require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Allied Pharmacies can provide supervised lateral flow tests with official certificates that meet international travel requirements. Our pharmacists will ensure the test is administered correctly, record the result, and provide documentation in the format required by your destination country. We recommend checking the entry requirements for your destination well in advance and booking your test at a time that falls within the required testing window.

Benefits of Pharmacy-Based Testing

Having your lateral flow test administered by a pharmacist at Allied Pharmacies offers several advantages over home testing. Our pharmacists ensure the swab is taken correctly, which significantly improves the accuracy of the result. Incorrect swabbing technique is one of the most common causes of false negative results with home tests. Additionally, our pharmacists can provide immediate clinical advice based on your result, recommend treatment if you test positive, and issue official certificates that may not be available with home testing kits.

Pharmacy-based testing also provides peace of mind for employers and travel authorities, as supervised tests carry more weight than self-administered ones. If you need a test for any official purpose, our pharmacist-supervised service ensures your result is properly documented and verifiable.

Lateral Flow Tests in the Workplace

Many employers continue to encourage or require regular testing to maintain a healthy workplace, particularly in healthcare settings, care homes, and food production environments. Allied Pharmacies can support workplace testing programmes by providing supervised testing, bulk test kit supplies, and guidance on implementing effective testing protocols. Our pharmacists can also advise businesses on the most appropriate testing strategy based on their specific needs and industry requirements.

If you manage a business and would like to discuss workplace testing options, speak to our team at your nearest branch. We can tailor our testing services to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes, ensuring your employees and customers are protected.

How Our Lateral Flow Testing Service Works

Getting a lateral flow test at Allied Pharmacies is quick and convenient. Visit any of our branches and ask for a lateral flow test. Our pharmacist will take your details, administer the test using a nasal or throat swab, and provide your result within 15 to 30 minutes. If your result is positive, we can discuss treatment options and provide advice on managing your symptoms and reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies?

Allied Pharmacies provides a reliable, professional lateral flow testing service with:

• Results in 15-30 minutes while you wait
• Pharmacist-supervised testing for accurate results
• Official test certificates for travel and work purposes
• Expert advice on what to do after your result
• No appointment needed at most branches
• Wide range of test types available

Related Services

You may also be interested in these related services at Allied Pharmacies:

• Flu Treatment Service – treatment and advice for influenza
• COVID-19 Vaccine – private COVID-19 vaccination service
• Pharmacy First – NHS treatment for common conditions

Find Lateral Flow Testing Near You

Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch for a rapid lateral flow test with results while you wait. Our pharmacists are here to help you get tested quickly and provide expert guidance on your next steps. For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit the NHS lateral flow testing page.