Rapid Covid-19 Testing in RTSD
2021 Rapid Testing in RTSD: A Three-Stage Plan
Radnor Township School District began a three-stage implementation plan for the facilitation rapid Covid-19 testing in district schools with a pilot program the week of February 8, 2021. The program was expanded the week of February 15 and will continue to grow.
STAGE 1: Weekly Staff Screening
Began week of February 8 with a pilot program; expanded week of February 15
Staff provided the opportunity to be tested every Monday morning before school begins at each school
On a voluntary basis, staff can register in advance and chose a time slot for testing
Depending on test results, applicable protocols are followed
STAGE 2: Symptomatic Students/Staff (Timeline TBD)
Provide rapid testing within the school day as a point-of-care for symptomatic students and staff
Students and staff experiencing Covid-19 symptoms during the school day would be able to be tested
STAGE 3: Random Screening (Timeline TBD)
Investigate implementation and establish process to randomly screen students
2021 Rapid Testing in RTSD: Tests Administered Per Week
March 29-April 2
Spring Break: No Testing Administered
March 20-26
39 Tests Administered
March 13-19
28 Tests Administered
March 8-12
35 Tests Administered
February 27-March 5
50 Tests Administered
February 20-26
38 Tests Administered
February 15-19
42 Tests Administered
February 8-12 (Pilot)
6 Tests Administered
2021 Rapid Testing in RTSD: Assisting Childhood Education Through Increased Testing (ACE-IT)
Project Assisting Childhood Education through Increased Testing (ACE-IT ) is a school-based Covid-19 testing initiative in Southeastern Pennsylvania that utilizes Abbott’s BinaxNowTM Covid-19 Ag Card rapid test kits.
ACE-IT is a part of the Nation's Coronavirus Testing Strategy as the testing supplies were provided directly by the Federal government.
The purpose of ACE-IT is to provide schools with point-of-care rapid testing as a mitigation strategy against COVID-19.
About the Test
Watch the video above to learn more about the Innovative Rapid Antigen Test and Companion Digital Health Tool. Click here to watch a video demonstrating how the rapid test is self-administered.
Student Testing Information
Radnor Township School District takes the health and safety of our students and their families very seriously. As such, in addition to steps to screen for the virus and prevent its spread on a campus, we are working to add a voluntary K-12 COVID -19 testing program for students.
The program will use two tests: Abbott Laboratories’ BinaxNOW Ag Card and Cue COVID-19 test which are both rapid, point of care tests and have been provided by the federal government. The purpose of the program is to (a) provide quick testing for individuals who become symptomatic while on campus, to include being on the bus, or during school related activities, and (b) achieve viral reduction by conducting surveillance of individuals on a regular, routine basis. Both tests are being offered in addition to existing COVID-19 health and safety measures. While this program is optional, participation helps our school stay as healthy and safe as possible. This form provides consent for the tests to be administered on your child. The tests will only be administered with your consent.
How is the test performed?
If your child is symptomatic, or part of a group that is designated for testing, your child will receive a free BinaxNOW antigen rapid test for the COVID -19 virus. Collecting a specimen for testing involves using a swab, similar to a Q-Tip, placed inside the tip of the nose. A school staff member, who has been trained to use this test, will collect the specimen while a trained COVID-19 test administrator will oversee the process. Depending upon the results of the antigen test, a follow- up confirmatory diagnostic test may be conducted using the Cue COVID-19 test. The Cue COVID-19 test also uses a nasal swab. Test results will be made available to the parent/guardian who provides consent by text message or email within 24 hours of the test. Both tests are being offered in addition to existing safety protocols such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and
frequent disinfection of surfaces. This program is optional for students, although we hope you choose to have the test to keep our schools as healthy and safe as possible.
What should I do when I receive my child’s test results?
If your child’s test result is positive it means the virus was found in the specimen tested. Your child will be required
to leave school and isolate at home per the current requirements. If your child’s test results is negative it means the virus was not found in the specimen tested. If your child is displaying COVID-19 symptoms, or is a close contact of someone with COVID-19, your child will be required to leave school and quarantine at home per the current requirements. In this instance, a follow up PCR test is necessary within 48 hours. In a small number of cases, tests sometimes produce incorrect results showing negative results (called “false negatives”) in people who have COVID-19 or showing positive results (called “false positives”) in people who do not have COVID-19. Should you have further questions about test results, contact your doctor, a licensed medical authority, or your local health department.
Disclaimer
While precautions will be taken for the safety of students, please understand that neither the test administrator nor the school/school district, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or organization sponsors are liable for any accident or injuries that may occur as a result of agreeing to the test.