Vendor Information and Methodology

Pooled Testing Methodology

Type of testing:

• Weekly COVID-19 PCR testing for all people on a voluntary basis who learn or work in our buildings

• Pooled testing, meaning combining respiratory samples from several people and running a single laboratory PCR test on the combined pool, in accordance with CDC Guidance on the Use of Pooling Procedures

• Pool sizes vary from 5-10 individuals , with the aim to maintain classrooms together in the same pool in all school buildings except WHS

Collection: An illustration of the self-swab method is available HERE.

• Sample is a shallow nasal swab; note that the shallow swabs are not inserted deep into the nasal cavity, but just into the nostril opening.

• Students and staff will self-administer a shallow under observation of a health aide from an external nursing agency. Each school principal will determine the best time of day to conduct testing at the school.

  1. • Elementary: A rolling cart will move across classrooms with collection taking place in the hallway, [time TBD]

     • Middle School: Centralized collection from [time TBD]

     • High School: Centralized collection from [time TBD]

• Collected in-school on Thursdays

• Two samples will be collected, one for pooled testing and the second for individual testing in case of inclusion in a positive pool.

Results:

• Tests are processed at the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard, a CLIA certified lab. Pooled and, in the case of a positive pool, individual test results are typically received within 24 hours.

• Read about the possible test results HERE.

• If the result of the pool is negative, then all individuals in the pool are negative; a general email will be sent to participants.

• Wayland Health Department will be notified of positive cases and follow the established processes.