testing menu
Explore a range of testing solutions for your school community.
INDIVIDUAL PCR
Diagnostic swab-and-send model
RAPID ANTIGEN (POC)
Diagnostic/ Screening Model
RAPID ANTIGEN (AT HOME)
Diagnostic/ Screening Model
POOLED TESTING
Screening Swab-and-send Model
INTRODUCING…
BD TRIPLEX
Detect Flu A&B and COVID-19 with one test
Is BD Triplex right for your school? See our FAQs below to learn more.
What is BD Triplex?
BD Veritor Plus Triplex (SARS-CoV2, Flu A+B) or “BD Triplex” is a point-of-care rapid antigen test that can help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses by detecting both COVID-19 and Flu A & B with a single sample. It requires an analyzer to read test results. (If you already have a BD analyzer, you won’t need a new one to run these tests).
Why should I start using BD Triplex now?
A test that detects Flu A & B as well as COVID-19 can be a useful tool during seasons of high transmission of respiratory illnesses. Flu and RSV transmission rates are the highest we have seen in years, and new omicron subvariants are causing upticks in cases and hospitalizations. When families know for sure if their child has COVID-19 or the flu, they can make informed decisions about staying home…and when school environments are healthy, everyone can get back to learning sooner!
Is using BD Triplex optional?
Using BD Triplex is completely optional.
Using BD Triplex is completely voluntary, just like regular COVID-19 testing. Our BD Triplex Toolkit includes a link to translated consent forms so families can quickly opt-in to this testing strategy if they choose.
We recognize the challenges and resource requirements involved in offering a new test to your school community. Your Health Commons Program Manager can help you quickly onboard this new test and provide resources for communicating the change to your school community.
Contact your Program Manager if you are interested in learning more.
How to get started with BD Triplex
Review the Toolkit
Use the BD Triplex toolkit as a guide for introducing this test to your school community. The toolkit contains information on updating your MTS license, ordering tests, collecting consent, and what to do with positive flu or COVID-19 results.
Place your order
BD Triplex test cards and analyzers are now available on the DOH ordering portal. Order tests ASAP so you have enough supplies on hand for January when testing demand will likely increase.
Inform families if your school plans to offer BD Triplex.
Use this customizable email template to share information about BD Triplex with families as well as a new consent form to sign if they want their child to have access to this test. (The email template is in English only but translated versions will soon be added to the folder linked above).
DIAGNOSTIC SWAB-AND-SEND MODEL
Individual PCR
Samples are collected when individuals have COVID-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19. Samples are shipped to vendor laboratories for testing using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) – the gold standard in accuracy.
Sample Collection
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- Shallow nasal swab OR saliva sample
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Use Case example
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- Isolation Room testing
- Outbreak testing
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Self-swab for ages 18 and up**
Results in 48 to 72 hours
Vendor manages reporting and notifications
No MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 4 and up*
Results 12 to 24 hours
Vendor manages reporting and notifications
No MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 5 and up*
Results in 12 to 24 hours
Vendor manages reporting and notifications
No MTS license required
*with trained observer (does not need to be a healthcare professional)/**under 18 conducted by healthcare professional
DIAGNOSTIC/SCREENING MODEL
Rapid Antigen (POC)
Samples are collected and resulted onsite in 15 minutes. A high volume of tests can be run simultaneously and quickly interpreted onsite. Serial testing is recommended if symptomatic individuals have an initial negative test result.
Sample Collection
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- Shallow nasal swab OR saliva sample
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Use Case example
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- Isolation room testing
- Outbreak testing
- Athletics screening
- Routine screening of individuals
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Self-swab for ages 4 & up*
Results in 15 minutes
MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 4 & up*
Results in 15 minutes
MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 4 & up*
Results in 15 minutes
MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 4 & up*
Results in 15 minutes
MTS license required
*with trained observer (does not need to be a healthcare professional)
DIAGNOSTIC AND/OR SCREENING MODEL
Rapid Antigen (At Home)
These tests can be sent home with symptomatic students and staff so they have access to tests while isolating. Schools may also hand these out before holidays or breaks so families have a diagnostic solution at home before returning to school. Serial testing is recommended if symptomatic individuals have an initial negative test result.
Sample Collection
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- Shallow nasal swab
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Use Case example
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- Individual/family use at home
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Self-swab for ages 4 & up*
Results in 15 minutes
MTS license required
*with trained observer (does not need to be a healthcare professional)
Screening “Swab-and-Send” Model
Pooled Testing
Samples are collected from cohorts on a routine basis and sent to the lab for testing using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) – the gold standard in accuracy. Follow-up, targeted testing is conducted for positive cohorts or “pools.”
Sample Collection
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- Shallow nasal swab
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Use Case example
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- Screening of cohorts like classrooms, sports teams, and performing arts groups
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Self-swab for ages 5 and up*
Results in 12 to 24 hours
Vendor manages reporting and notifications
No MTS license required
Self-swab for ages 4 and up*
Results 12 to 24 hours
Vendor manages reporting and notifications
No MTS license required
*with trained observer (does not need to be a healthcare professional)