What different types of test kits are available for schools?

There are two main types of COVID-19 test kits that are available for schools: rapid antigen tests and molecular tests.

Rapid antigen tests are quick and easy to administer, and they can provide results in as little as 15 minutes. However, they are not as accurate as molecular tests, and they may miss some cases of COVID-19.

Molecular tests, also known as PCR tests, are more accurate than rapid antigen tests, but they take longer to process, and they may require sending samples to a laboratory.

Some specific examples of COVID-19 test kits that are available for schools include:

• Rapid antigen tests:

  • BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
  • Cue Health COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit
  • Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
  • iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

• Molecular tests:

  • Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit
  • Vault Health COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit
  • Cue Health COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit
  • Everlywell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit

Schools can choose the type of COVID-19 test kits that are most appropriate for their needs, taking into account factors such as accuracy, cost, and ease of administration.

In addition to the two main types of COVID-19 test kits, there are also some newer types of test kits that are becoming available. For example, some companies are developing saliva test kits and breath test kits for COVID-19. These test kits are still under development, but they have the potential to be more convenient and less invasive than traditional nasal swab tests.

Schools should continue to monitor the latest developments in COVID-19 testing and choose the test kits that are most appropriate for their needs.