How accurate are antigen tests in detecting the virus?
SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests are generally less sensitive than the tests given in the community setting, which are nucleic acid viral tests that use reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Although antigen tests are considered to be highly sensitive and specific to detecting active virus, cases of false positives have been reported. Because of the risk […]
Read MoreDo we need to get parental consent?
Yes, participating students must have consent from a parent/guardian or if over 18 years old, can provide consent. Sample consent forms are available upon request from Susan Haberstroh at susan.haberstroh@delaware.gov. They can be signed and collected in paper format or electronically using a system such as DocuSign or similar.
Read MoreDo we need any special approval or certifications?
Test sites will need to apply for a waiver from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which regulates the quality that all laboratories must meet. For an initial applicant, the CLIA Initial Application must be completed so that testing sites can manage the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of […]
Read MoreDoes an individual need training before overseeing testing?
Online training is available and recommended for anyone supporting testing efforts. For the Abbott BinaxNow test, training and information is available at: https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/support/product-installation-training/navica-brand/navica-binaxnow-ag-training.html For BD Veritor test, training and information is available at: https://www.bdveritor.com/training/
Read MoreWho needs to oversee the process on-site?
The lead school nurse or an assigned individual can serve as the primary point of contact for a district or school, with support from school-level nurses as needed, for the day-to-day testing logistics and protocols. The actual testing administration, management of materials from classes, collection of samples, etc. may be overseen by the school nurse, […]
Read MoreHow would we get more supplies?
The lead school nurse/COVID coordinator will work with DPH to determine an adequate supply of tests based on the testing plan. DPH will provide a two-week supply of tests at a time. As this initial supply is depleted, the districts/schools will re-order additional supplies using the SHOC Resource Request Form, at which time they will […]
Read MoreHow do we know how many test units or analyzers we will need?
DPH will work with districts/schools to identify and provide the optimal number of tests/analyzers on an ongoing basis. Factors to consider include the total number of students to be tested, cadence or frequency of testing, or available support for oversight. For the BD Veritor analyzer, DPH recommends 1 unit per 1,000 students to begin. Analyzers […]
Read MoreWho will provide medical advice and support after the first two weeks?
DPH recommends that schools/districts identify a community-based ordering provider (MD/DO, PA, NP) to provide any necessary guidance or assistance related to interpreting tests or other medical matters. This individual might be associated with a local medical practice or health care system associated with a school-based wellness center (if applicable), or be a medical provider with […]
Read MoreHow do schools initiate on-site antigen testing?
COVID coordinators/lead school nurse or school/district administrators can contact Susan Haberstroh at susan.haberstroh@delaware.gov, charter schools can contact Kendall Massett at kendallm@decharternetwork.org, and private/parochial schools can contact Dana Carr at dana.carr@delaware.gov to initiate. DDOE has also developed https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/4243 to assist districts, charters, private and parochial schools with implementation. DPH will provide the test materials, which may […]
Read MoreWhat is antigen testing and how does it work?
Antigen tests use a quick analysis to detect active virus in individuals, returning results within 15 minutes. In schools, antigen tests can be used on-site, sometimes referred to as “point-of-care” for the entire asymptomatic population without known exposure to detect previously unidentified positive individuals. If an individual does test positive, the school can quickly isolate […]
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