School-Based COVID-19 Testing
Guidance on the Use of COVID-19 Antigen Test KitsThis winter, the Ithaca City School District has distributed COVID-19 antigen test kits, provided to us by New York State, to all students and staff. Each kit includes two tests. Click here to view our guidance on when to use the at-home test. |
The ICSD is offering school-based COVID-19 testing during the 2021-22 school year to support the health of our school community by reducing the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our testing program consists of two different types of COVID-19 testing: screening testing and symptomatic testing.
All COVID-19 tests are provided at no cost, and participation is voluntary. |
TESTING OVERVIEW + CONSENT |
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How do I provide consent for my student to be tested? |
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Screening Testing: Caregivers who would like to provide consent for their child/ren to participate in screening testing and haven't already must either-
Symptomatic Antigen Testing: Consent for school-based rapid, point-of-care (antigen) testing can be provided using this online consent form: Caregiver Consent for Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing (Antigen Testing). |
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How do employees consent to participate in screening testing? |
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Staff who would like to participate in screening testing and haven't already registered must either-
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SCREENING TESTING |
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With the transition to Concentric, do I need to provide consent again if I had done so previously? |
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No, all consents provided up through November 24, 2021, will be uploaded into the platform maintained by Concentric by Ginkgo. Any new participants will be able to complete either print or digital consent forms.
The print forms are available in multiple languages (below). Please complete the form and return it to your school nurse. The online registration site for caregivers consenting for minors is testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent. The online registration site for staff is testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code. Each school's access code can be found below. School Access Codes
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How are samples collected for screening testing? |
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Collections are done with what is called a lower anterior nasal swab, which is a collection swab about the size of a Q-tip that is placed just into the lower part of the nose and swirled around 3 times to collect the sample. This approach is much more comfortable and is not the collection method where the swab is placed deep into the nose. Students can self-sample or one of the team members can collect a sample for them. |
Q |
How long does it take to receive screening test results? |
A |
Two samples are collected from each individual when tested - one for pooled testing and one for individual testing - and overnighted to the testing lab. Generally, results are available in 24 to 48 hours. With the transition to Concentric, there is no change in testing. Operation Expanded Testing on Concentric’s portal will continue to support both pool and individual testing. |
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How do I receive screening test results? |
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If you/your child is part of a pool that does not detect COVID-19, you will not get a pooled or individual test result. If there is a risk that someone in the pool might have COVID-19, every swab in the pool will be processed individually. If your child's individual test result is negative, you will not be notified. If your child's individual test result is positive, you will be notified directly by the district, via email and robocall. Caregivers do not have logins to the portal and will only learn of a positive result via a phone call. Our schools will also be monitoring results for all students. |
SYMPTOMATIC TESTING - ANTIGEN |
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How does antigen testing work? |
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Students with caregiver consent who show signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 while at school may be tested in the nurse's office. Antigen test results are available immediately. A negative result will allow mildly symptomatic students to remain in school while awaiting confirmatory PCR test results or while completing two additional days of antigen testing. School nurses will communicate with caregivers regarding their clinical assessment of the student, options for testing, and masking requirements. |
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Who qualifies for antigen testing? |
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To qualify for antigen testing, students must be-
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If the antigen test result is negative, does my child need another test to confirm the result? |
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Yes, students who test negative must receive a confirmatory PCR test result or complete two additional days of antigen testing. While awaiting confirmatory results, students may remain in school and must wear a high-quality mask. |
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What if the antigen test result is positive? |
A |
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 through antigen testing should self-isolate and follow all protocols outlined by the Tompkins County Health Department. Students/staff who test positive may return to school after 5 days of isolation* if they are symptom-free or their symptoms are resolving, including being fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication). Those individuals must also wear a mask in school and other public spaces for 5 additional days (days 6-10). *Day 0 is the day symptoms start or, if asymptomatic, the day the student tests positive |
SYMPTOMATIC TESTING - PCR |
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How does symptomatic testing work? |
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Students with caregiver consent who show signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 while at school are tested in the nurse's office before leaving campus to self-isolate at home. |
Q |
How are samples collected for symptomatic testing? |
A |
Collections are done with what is called a lower anterior nasal swab, which is a collection swab about the size of a Q-tip that is placed just into the lower part of the nose and swirled around 3 times to collect the sample. This approach is much more comfortable and is not the collection method where the swab is placed deep into the nose. Students can self-sample or the school nurse can collect a sample for them. |
Q |
How long does it take to receive symptomatic test results? |
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Samples collected at school sites are transported via courier to Cayuga Health System laboratories, and test results are generally available within 24-48 hours. The turnaround time may be subject to change based upon demand and laboratory capacity. |
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How do I view symptomatic test results? |
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After symptomatic students are tested for COVID-19 at school, the test results are posted on the Cayuga Medical Center Patient Portal. Directions for accessing your results can be found below. If you still have questions about whether your child is cleared to return to school, you may contact the school nurse.
If you have a Patient Portal account:
If you do not have a Patient Portal account:
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Q |
If the result is positive, does my child need another test to confirm the result? |
A |
No. The samples collected in school are analyzed using molecular testing technology. These are high-sensitivity, high-specificity tests for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. If your child's symptomatic testing result is positive, you can expect a phone call from the county health department with further instructions. |
