Implementation of SARS-CoV2 Screening in K–12 Schools Using In-School Pooled Molecular Testing and Deconvolution by Rapid Antigen Test
Nira R. Pollock, David Berlin, Sandra Smole, Lawrence C. Madoff, Catherine Brown, Kelsey Henderson, Elizabeth Larsen, Jeremiah Hay, Stacey Gabriel, Atul A. Gawande, Niall J. Lennon
Abstract
of ≤30 identified a positive individual using the BinaxNOW test performed 1 to 3 days later. However, of 124 positive pools with full reflex testing data available for analysis, 32 (25.8%) of BinaxNOW pool deconvolution testing attempts did not identify a positive individual, requiring additional reflex testing. With sufficient staffing support and low pool positivity rates, pooled sample collection and reflex testing were feasible for schools. These early program findings confirm that screening for K-12 students and staff is achievable at scale with a scheme that incorporates in-school pooling, primary testing by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and Ag RDT reflex/deconvolution testing.