Frequently Asked Questions

A: Any CA school district can make rapid antigen testing part of the COVID-19 response. To learn more contact the California Department of Public health at [email protected]

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is supplying CA school districts with Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests while the state’s supply lasts. If you are a school already enrolled in the CDPH Testing Program, you can submit an order online. Tests can also be purchased on the private market if available.

A: Visit our Get Started page for outlined instructions on how-to begin testing at your school.

The type of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing being used for this pilot was approved by the FDA with an Emergency Use Authorization that requires a CLIA waiver. A CLIA waiver assures that there is appropriate supervision by a physician or laboratory director. While a rapid antigen test is very simple to use and does not require highly qualified laboratory personnel, it does have to be carried out under the supervision of an eligible health or laboratory professional. To explore starting a testing program under the California Department of Public Health CLIA please email [email protected] to schedule a run through of the enrollment process.

A: We recommend training on the following: use of the specific rapid test you employ; the data platform you select to report results to the state; how to set up and manage a testing site; and a series of videos that cover privacy protections and how to use personal protective equipment correctly. See our suggested Training Resources on our Get Started page.

A: Personnel who are authorized under BPC Section 1206.5(a) to perform waived COVID-19 testing at school sites which include: physician and surgeon, physician assistant, registered nurse, license vocational nurse and other healthcare personnel providing direct patient care. This includes school personnel who are caring for students under their responsibility.

A: Most schools already have available PPE. You will need KN95 or surgical masks, gloves, and visors. It is advisable to have some gowns and N95 masks on hand if a health professional needs to actively swab someone who cannot self-swab. N95s can also be used for observing self-swabbing though they are not required. Staff members using N95s should receive fit testing for their masks.

A: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are widely used across CA. However, PCR results generally take 1-3 days which means screened individuals who are infectious can still expose others to infection until the result is available. PCR tests are also more sensitive than rapid antigen tests, sometimes detecting the virus in persons who have had COVID-19 recently but are no longer infectious. PCR tests are more expensive, although districts have been successfully billing insurance for staff and teachers to-date.

A: No. You can choose to apply for your own CLIA, steps on how-to do so can be found on the CDPH Website.

A: Primary.Health is the data platform where test results are uploaded and shared with parents.

A: If you received a positive point-of-care test, refer to your local health department for appropriate COVID-19 guidelines and procedures.

A: It is highly recommended to confirm a point-of-care test with a PCR test.

A: The California Department of Public Health is currently covering costs for the Abbott BinaxNOW tests and Primary.Health, the data platform used to record test results.

A: If you are having issues with accessing your results on Primary.Health, contact [email protected] for assistance.

A: New federal funding is available for many school districts for the 2021-22 school year that can help with personnel costs or with providing outside service providers to come test. High needs district are getting first priority. The California Department of Public Health is administering this funding. Reach out to [email protected] for more information. SOS can also help to provide information but does not manage the funds, you can contact [email protected] for support.