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Starting in the fall, pooled testing will be utilized as a new mitigation layer for Pre-K through 8th grade. Pre-K pooled testing is only for the classes held in our school buildings. Pooled testing will be provided by Concentric and is made possible by the state-funded program.
Starting in the fall, pooled testing will be utilized as a new mitigation layer for Pre-K through 8th grade. Pre-K pooled testing is only for the classes held in our school buildings. Pooled testing will be provided by Concentric and is made possible by the state-funded program.
What is Pooled Testing?
What is Pooled Testing?
Pooled testing provides a weekly look at a “pool” of students and staff. A self-administered nose swab is pooled with other members of the pool. There will be 10-20 members per pool. A PCR test of the pool will reveal whether COVID-19 is present. If positive, further testing (rapid BINAX) will be performed on all members of the pool. If the rapid test is negative, individuals will not need to quarantine. If positive, individuals and close contacts outside of the pool will need to quarantine without exception.
Why is it right for PPS?
Why is it right for PPS?
Multiple factors make pooled testing an effective mitigation strategy, including the lack of access to vaccines in this age group and the tentative PreK expansion in October. For more answers to frequently asked questions, please see this Pooled Testing FAQ document.
For more information, visit concentricbyginkgo.com
Participation in pooled testing is voluntary, families will need to complete either an online or paper form below. Please submit the paper form to your child's school when you have filled it out.
Online Consent Form
Online Consent Form
Paper Consent Form
Paper Consent Form
What are the benefits of pooled testing?
What are the benefits of pooled testing?
Children participating are less likely to need to be quarantined
The pooled test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which is considered the “gold standard” of COVID-19 testing. It can detect the virus at incredibly low levels, catching COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals before they become symptomatic or infectious.
Pooled PCR testing is another tool, along with masking, handwashing, and isolating symptomatic individuals, to keep communities safe, reduce transmission, and build confidence that it’s safe to go to school.
Pooled testing provides additional information to school buildings and the district about the prevalence of the virus in our school community.
Can staff and students be required to participate in pooled testing?
Can staff and students be required to participate in pooled testing?
No. Pooled testing is a voluntary program. Parents must sign a consent form in order for their child to participate. However, students who do not participate and who are identified as close contacts will need to quarantine and be out of school for that period of time.
Which staff members are eligible to participate in pooled testing?
Which staff members are eligible to participate in pooled testing?
Staff in elementary school and middle schools can participate if they are available to provide a sample for classroom pool.
How often will my child be tested?
How often will my child be tested?
One day per week, each student who is enrolled in the program will be given a nasal swab. Each student will put the swab just inside each nostril, and then all the swabs will be placed in one testing tube.
How long does pooled testing take?
How long does pooled testing take?
Testing an entire classroom or cohort usually takes about 10-15 minutes and speeds up after the first day. Each pool will consist of samples from 10 to 20 people.
How long are the swabs?
How long are the swabs?
They are short nasal swabs that go just a half an inch into the nostril – they are similar to cotton swabs. If students have trouble performing the swabbing, the school nurse or other trained staff member can help. However, the test is so easy that kindergarteners typically can do it. The company we are partnering with in our pooled testing program, Concentric, likes to say: “If you can pick your nose, you can take this test!”
What happens after the swabs are placed in one test tube?
What happens after the swabs are placed in one test tube?
The tube will be sent to a lab. In about 48 hours, the school nurse will see the results of the test.
What happens if the pooled test is negative?
What happens if the pooled test is negative?
If the tube, or “pool,” is negative, nothing needs to be done. The class will continue to be tested on a regular weekly basis.
What happens if the pooled test is positive?
What happens if the pooled test is positive?
If a tube is positive, each person in that group must have another test. The school nurse will do a rapid BinaxNOW test at school for each individual.
Each student that has a negative BinaxNOW test can return to class.
Any student who has a positive BinaxNOW test result must stay in the isolation area of the nurse’s office and their parent/guardian will be notified. The parent/guardian must come to school to pick up their child. A student who is positive for COVID cannot stay in school and cannot ride the bus home. Please have a plan to pick up your child from school during school hours in the event your child becomes ill. Be sure the school has your most up-to-date contact information.
How will pool testing be funded?
How will pool testing be funded?
The pooled testing program is funded by the Maine Department of Education and is free to students and staff who participate.
Why is pooled testing being offered in kindergarten through grade 6?
Why is pooled testing being offered in kindergarten through grade 6?
The Portland Public Schools is introducing the program in those grades because those students currently are not eligible to be vaccinated against COVID. We may later expand it to other grades.
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