EMCSD COVID-19 Information & Resources » COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Instructions

COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Instructions

December 17, 2021
 
Dear EMCSD Community,
 
Many students and families have plans to travel or gather with friends and loved ones during winter break. While we hope everyone enjoys the much-needed time-off, there may be instances where students and staff are exposed to COVID-19, especially with the increase in cases throughout California. The safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance, so we have utilized available grant funds to secure a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit for each of our students and staff. These kits will be sent home with your child on Monday, December 20, or Tuesday, December 21, 2021. We hope that you will utilize this over the winter break so that there is an assurance that everyone is safe to return to school on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
 
We recommend that you use the test the evening of January 4th or the morning of January 5th before you come to school. If done correctly, results will be available in 10-15 minutes.  Please note that tests should be disposed of after 25 minutes (after 25 minutes, test results will be inconclusive). Choosing to use these tests is entirely voluntary, and we will not be collecting test results.
 
Each test kit comes with instructions. Translated versions of the instructions are available below. You can translate the instructions into over 100 languages, just click the language tab at the top of the page and select your desired language setting.
 
If your child tests positive for COVID-19, DO NOT bring your child to school. Instead, contact your doctor immediately and notify your school office.  
 
As a reminder, Los Angeles County offers free COVID-19 testing and vaccines to all LA County residents. Vaccines are the best way to fight possible infection and spread of the virus, and they are available to anyone ages five and up. Booster shots are also available to anyone 16 and up. Health insurance or proof of U.S. Citizenship is NOT required. You can make appointments for a COVID-19 test or vaccine by clicking one of the links below:
 
 
 
Thank you for your continued support,
 
Dr. Maribel Garcia
Superintendent, El Monte City School District
The test instructions below can be translated in over 100 langauges by simply changing the language setting in the upper section of this page. If viewing on a desktop, language options are in the top right corner. Mobile, the option is at the top of the page under the EMCSD logo. PDFs of the instructions are available at the bottom of the page in English and Spanish. Chinese and Vietnamese will be available soon.
 
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Materials
 
Included:
  • Test device (1)
  • Extraction vial/cap (1)
  • Nasal swab (1)
 
Recommended Materials but not included:
  • Timer
  • Gloves
COVID Test Kit User Guide
 
SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING USING ANTERIOR SWAB
 
1. Remove nasal swab from the pouch.
1. Remoive nasal swab from the pouch.
 
2. Insert the swab into one nostril up to 1 inch from the edge of the nostril.
2. Insert the swab into one nostril up to 1 inch from the edge of the nostril.
 
3. Slowly roll the swab 5 times over the surface of the nostril. Using the same swab, repeat this collection process in the other nostril. Take approximately 15 seconds to collect the specimen.
3. Slowly roll the swab 5 times over the surface of the nostril. Using the same swab, repeat this collection process in the other nostril. Take approximately 15 seconds to collect the specimen.
 
4. Slowly remove the swab from the nostril while rotating it.
4. Slowly remove the swab from the nostril while rotating it.
 
TEST PROCEDURES
 
1. Peel off aluminum foil seal from the top of the extraction vial containing the extraction buffer.
1. Peel off aluminum foil seal from the top of the extraction vial containing the extraction buffer.
 
2. Place the swab into the extraction vial. Rotate the swab vigorously at least 5 times.
Place the swab into the extraction vial. Rotate the swab vigorously at least 5 times.
 
3. Remove the swab by rotating against the extraction vial while squeezing the sides of the vial to release liquid from the swab. Properly discard the swab.
3. Remove the swab by rotating against the extraction vial while squeezing the sides of the vial to release liquid from the swab. Properly discard the swab.
 
4. Close the vial by pushing the cap firmly onto the vial.
4. Close the vial by pushing the cap firmly onto the vial.
 
5. Mix thoroughly by flicking the bottom of the tube.
Mix thoroughly by flicking the bottom of the tube.
 
6. Invert the extraction vial and hold the sample vertically above the sample well. Squeeze the vial gently. Allow three drops to fall into the sample well.
Invert the extraction vial and hold the sample vertically above the sample well. Squeeze the vial gently. Allow three drops to fall into the sample well.
RESULT INTERPRETATION
 
Read the results at 10-15 minutes (depending on the designation on your COVID-19 test kit). The test results should not be read after 15-25 minutes (depending on the designation on your COVID-19 test kit).
 
Results: Positive result is indication by a red line in the C section AND a blue or grey line in the T section. Negative result is potrayed by ONLY a red line in the C section. An invalid result is when C and T are blank or only a blue line in the T section.
 
Warning: The false positive, false negative, or invalid results may occur if the test is interpreted outside the interpretation window.