Guidance

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.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
16 November 2021
Last updated
25 October 2023 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on

This content is out of date as private providers of COVID-19 testing services are no longer able to self-declare. From 1 January 2024, private providers are required to be accredited against the relevant ISO standards by a signatory of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Agreement. This includes the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). 

For further information, see The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Testing Requirements and Standards) (England) Regulations 2020. 

To discuss accreditation, please contact the appropriate accreditation body.

Documents

[Withdrawn] General population COVID-19 testing (domestic asymptomatic): minimum standards for providers

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Thank you for your continued support throughout the UK’s response to COVID-19.  In line with the Living with COVID-19 strategy, we have reviewed the contents of the legislation. Subject to parliamentary approval, from 1 January 2024, clinical COVID-19 testing services (diagnostic laboratories, point of care testing and sample collection) will be required to be accredited as per these draft regulations to trade: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Testing Requirements and Standards) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023.

Private providers must comply with the timetable set out within the current regulations The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Testing Requirements and Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 – the final date for new applications to the current system (self-declaration against minimum standards followed by achieving accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)) is 31 December 2023. Anyone wishing to progress with their current accreditation must contact UKAS before 31 December.

All 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.

Updates to this page

Published 16 November 2021
Last updated 25 October 2023 show all updates

  1. Updated notice about upcoming requirements.

  2. Added note on legislation and guidance being under review.

  3. Updated to reflect end of international travel testing.

  4. Updated information around self-isolation and contact tracing.

  5. Removed references to day 8. Removed day 2 lateral flow tests and test to release for international travel pages.

  6. Revised further to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 7 January.

  7. 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.

  8. Revised minimum standards for private providers of COVID-19 to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 30 November.

  9. First published.

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