Community pharmacies can now order lateral flow tests from Sigma Pharmaceuticals to use as part of the Pharmacy Collect service. 

The service, which launched after Easter, sees pharmacies provide lateral flow tests to asymptomatic members of the public to be taken at home free of charge, with contractors claiming a service fee of £1.50 plus VAT per transaction. 

Until yesterday, lateral flow devices were only available from Alliance healthcare. Sigma says it has received its first batch of test kits and is ready to begin deliveries today (May 13).

Phoenix Healthcare Distribution also has a supply of kits but these are only available to branches of Rowlands Pharmacy.