Lateral flow testing in Richmond

Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 do not have any symptoms and can spread it without knowing. Lateral flow testing is for those people who are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms and provides rapid results within around 30 minutes.

Assisted lateral flow tests are available at some pharmacies and home self-test kits are available to collect from four libraries and other locations across the borough.

Collect a home test Book testing at a pharmacy

Who can get a test

These free tests are available to everyone.

Twice weekly testing is recommended to everyone accessing the service, especially those who are frontline workers in direct contact with local residents, volunteers, formal/informal carers and others who are not covered by other testing programmes. This includes those in the health and social care, education and transport sectors. Ideally you should book your tests 3 to 4 days apart.

Eligibility for lateral flow testing does not include those requiring a negative COVID-19 test result prior to or after international travel. If you need to do a test to travel, you must use a private test provider. The Government’s page on travel advice during Coronavirus provides some more specific guidance.

If you are experiencing symptoms

Do not book a lateral flow test if you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus:

• A high temperature
• New, continuous cough
• Loss of, or change to, your sense of taste or smell

If you are experiencing symptoms you should visit GOV.UK to arrange a PCR test.

Home self-test kit collection points

The collection points at Civic Centre Twickenham and Wandsworth Town Hall have now closed.

Home self-test kits can be collected in person without an appointment at four local libraries in Richmond:

• East Sheen Library, Sheen Lane, London, SW14 8LP
• Hampton Library, Rosehill, Hampton, TW12 2AB
• Twickenham Library, Garfield Road, Twickenham TW1 3JT
• Whitton Library, 141 Nelson Road, Whitton, TW2 7BB (from 10 June)

See libraries opening hours

You can also collect home self-test kits from some pharmacies and PCR testing sites – use this map to find your nearest location.

If you can’t collect or do a test at a pharmacy, you can also order packs of lateral flow tests online to be sent to your home.

For any queries about the collection of home self-test kits, email covidtesting@richmond.gov.uk.

Pharmacy testing

You can book a test at a local pharmacy near to where you live. This service is available for anyone aged 18 years and older who does not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Appointments must be booked in advance and you can book up to 7 days ahead. Please note you cannot collect lateral flow test kits to use at home from these sites.

Pharmacy locations

Testing is available at the following pharmacies. 

• C Goode Pharmacy - 22 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3RR
• Day Lewis Pharmacy – 1 Cross Deep Court, Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AG
• Forward Pharmacy, 90 Church Road, Barnes, SW13 0DQ
• Pharmacare, 12 Back Lane, Ham, TW10 7LF
• Teddington Pharmacy, 113 Stanley Road, Teddington, TW11 8UB
• Kanset Pharmacy, 177 Ashburnham Road, Ham, TW10 7NR
• KC Pharmacy, 23 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8QZ
• Nima Pharmacy, 50 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, TW10 6NQ

Opening hours will vary and you should check with the pharmacy.

You will need

To book your appointment, you will need:

• Your details
• Your availability - you can book for up to seven days ahead, and can only book from the next day. Days with available slots will be shown, and available timeslots shown once the date is selected.

What happens next

You will receive a confirmation email with details of your booking and information about what to bring to your appointment.

Cancellation

If you can no longer attend your appointment you must let us know. 

Attending your appointment

You must not attend your appointment if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

You should bring:

• Your ID. You may be asked to show your ID for proof of age. Visit GOV.UK for the full list of acceptable forms of ID
• Face covering
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• Water, if desired

Results

Results will be sent to you via text message and/or email using contact details recorded at the registration or check-in process. The results will be communicated the same day.

Negative result

• If you receive a negative test result you do not need to self-isolate, unless you are symptomatic or otherwise indicated by the Stay at Home Guidance available on GOV.UK.
• It should be noted that a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 and there can be false negatives. This means you have the infection, but the test has not detected it.

Positive result

• If you receive a positive test result you must self-isolate immediately and follow the guidance from NHS Test & Trace.
• You will be required to undertake a confirmatory PCR test within 48 hours to make sure the lateral flow test is accurate. Visit GOV.UK to arrange a PCR test or call 119. You should not attend a lateral flow testing site.

Invalid result

• In some situations, your result may come back as invalid. If your test indicates an invalid result you will need to rebook a pharmacy PCR appointment or proceed to a lateral flow test site.
• If the result is invalid a second time, you may need to be tested using a PCR test. A PCR test can be accessed on GOV.UK or by calling 119.

Missing result

• If you do not receive your result the same day as your test, call 119. You will need the barcode that was provided to you during the test.

Contact

For any general queries relating to pharmacies email primarycare@richmond.gov.uk.

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