Minimum standards for private sector providers of COVID-19 testing
Sets out the minimum standards that providers must meet to be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.
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All coronavirus (COVID-19) testing services must meet certain minimum standards set by the government. Private sector testing providers must also complete a declaration stating that their tests meet these standards.
The government has published guidance on the minimum standards that private providers of COVID-19 testing services must meet when offering:
- general population testing for people without COVID-19 symptoms (includes PCR and lateral flow tests)
See the relevant attachment above to read the minimum standards that apply.
How to become a private provider
There is separate guidance for prospective providers on how to become a private provider of COVID-19 testing and get added to the GOV.UK list for the testing service you offer.
Finding and choosing a private COVID-19 test provider
The guidance on this page is for private providers of COVID-19 testing. If you’re a member of the public looking for a provider, see the lists of providers and read our guidance on finding and choosing a private COVID-19 test provider.
Last updated 18 March 2022 + show all updates
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Updated to reflect end of international travel testing.
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Updated information around self-isolation and contact tracing.
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Removed references to day 8. Removed day 2 lateral flow tests and test to release for international travel pages.
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Revised further to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 7 January.
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Revised minimum standards for providers on day 2 lateral flow tests for international arrivals, to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 7 January.
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Revised minimum standards for private providers of COVID-19 to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 30 November.
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First published.