Where can I get a lateral flow test in Leeds? Walk in test centres near me - and how to get one for free

After Boris Johnson's announcement last week (Sunday 12 December), lateral flow testing will be required as part of the 'vaccine passport' scheme intended to curb the spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Lateral flow tests are used to determine if people who are not displaying Covid-19 symptoms are carrying the virus.

People displaying symptoms of the virus are not advised to take a lateral flow test, and are instead required to take a PCR test either at home or at a drive-in or walk-in testing site.

Lateral flow tests, or asymptomatic tests, can be collected from pharmacies or taken for free at several centres across Leeds.

How long does a lateral flow test take?

Lateral flow tests are a lot quicker than PCR tests, and take only half an hour to provide results when taken at home.

If taken at a testing site results may take a little longer.

How much is a lateral flow test?

Lateral flow tests are free when obtained via the GOV.UK website or conducted at one of the listed test centres.

When ordered online lateral flow test results must be recorded on the NHS website.

Boxes of tests can also be collected from pharmacies such as Boots and Superdrug for free across the UK.

Where can I get a lateral flow test?

Pick up tests from a pharmacy

Picking up tests from a pharmacy is the quickest way to get a rapid test for most people.

If you give the pharmacy a 'collect code' when you pick up the tests, it helps the NHS match your details to the tests.

Find out about collect codes and how to get a collect code on GOV.UK.

Find your nearest pharmacy with lateral flow tests through the NHS website.

Pick up tests from a community collection point

You can get up to 2 packs of 7 rapid tests from some community places, like libraries.

Collect a home test kit at a local community hub:

City Centre Community Hub, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 8LX

Armley Community Hub & Library, 2 Stocks Hill, Armley, LS12 1UQ

Deacon House Centre, Seacroft Avenue, Leeds, LS14 6JD

Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library, 190 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6PF

Halton Library, 273 Selby Road, LS15 7JR

The Compton Centre Community Hub & Library, Harehills Lane, Harehills, LS9 7BG

The Reginald Centre, Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 3EX

Opening hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays (except City Centre Community Hub which doesn’t open Saturdays).

School, college and nursery testing

If you attend or work at a school, college or nursery you can get rapid tests through your school, college or nursery.

You're advised to do a test twice a week.

Children aged under 11 do not need to do rapid tests.

Employee and university testing

Some employers and universities offer rapid tests.

Ask your employer or university if they provide rapid tests.

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