APS symptomatic testing program

[Anonymous]

Last night was the first I heard of this program for k-12. I’m happy about it but confused. They made it sound like we all had been told about it. Obviously, they need to spread the word widely for it to be effective.
This is all I see on the APS site:

“ About the Asymptomatic Testing Program in Development
APS is also committed to identifying those without symptoms of coronavirus who may be contagious. This asymptomatic, “surveillance” testing is an important strategy for mitigating risks of infection in the classroom. APS is working with ResourcePath to design a Surveillance Testing Program and will be forming an APS COVID-19 Testing Working Group to gather stakeholder feedback regarding the type of testing to be used, what percent of a population should be tested, how frequently should testing occur to maximize the impact, and the latest CDC guidance. Other considerations include ensuring equity and responsiveness, and engagement of the community. Any student, parent or staff member who is interested in joining the working group or getting more information, email [e-mail].”

Had anyone else heard about this before last night? Is the program beginning on the first day of school and do they plan to communicate this to the entire community so parents can opt in for this kids?

[Anonymous]

Typo in title? Asymptomatic.

We only know what we’ve heard from fall sports - but that is daily testing.

This is great - needed this a year ago.

[Anonymous]

Meant asymptomatic. I don’t think I can edit.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it was at Kenmore and Wakefield. Last night they announced it would also be school based. Great news

[Anonymous]

Yeah I was surprised they did not devote more time to explaining this brand new testing system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah I was surprised they did not devote more time to explaining this brand new testing system.

I assume the messaging will come directly from schools after they work out the test locations/timing?

Or does the testing occur while kids are at school (not separate trip like sports)?

[Anonymous]

It sounded like it will be a randomized group every week. I assume done at school during the day. Only for those who opt in. The more who opt in the better the data and usefulness of the program.

[Anonymous]

I’m frustrated that school starts in two weeks and we don’t know.

I watched the town hall but it wasn’t clear enough. Not easy to hear them and the slides came down quick.

My big take away is more stuff to come. Waiting…

[Anonymous]

do you have to go to Kenmore or can you get it at your school? What kind of tests? a nasal swab?

[Anonymous]

I assume testing locations will be in each school, otherwise the program won’t really work if families have to provide transport to a testing location. That would make it difficult for some families. It sounded like they did a trial of this program at barret or barcoft this summer.

[Anonymous]

I personally know multiple people who have had false positives. (e.g. multiple follow up PCR tests came back negative). The rapid tests were not designed to be used for asymptomatic screening. I would not consent to this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m frustrated that school starts in two weeks and we don’t know.

I watched the town hall but it wasn’t clear enough. Not easy to hear them and the slides came down quick.

My big take away is more stuff to come. Waiting…

What difference does it make? They won't start school-based testing until school starts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I personally know multiple people who have had false positives. (e.g. multiple follow up PCR tests came back negative). The rapid tests were not designed to be used for asymptomatic screening. I would not consent to this.

They follow up with a PCR for a positive.

Wish it were PCRs but that’s $$$$$. Better than no testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally know multiple people who have had false positives. (e.g. multiple follow up PCR tests came back negative). The rapid tests were not designed to be used for asymptomatic screening. I would not consent to this.

They follow up with a PCR for a positive.

Wish it were PCRs but that’s $$$$$. Better than no testing.

right- but if you are the one who has a false positive test- it has huge impacts. It throws the family into quarantine, and that is a big deal for a lot of people- and it is at least 5 days before you get sprung- two pcr's 3 days apart and approx 24-48 hours from the results to come back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally know multiple people who have had false positives. (e.g. multiple follow up PCR tests came back negative). The rapid tests were not designed to be used for asymptomatic screening. I would not consent to this.

They follow up with a PCR for a positive.

Wish it were PCRs but that’s $$$$$. Better than no testing.

right- but if you are the one who has a false positive test- it has huge impacts. It throws the family into quarantine, and that is a big deal for a lot of people- and it is at least 5 days before you get sprung- two pcr's 3 days apart and approx 24-48 hours from the results to come back.

But false positives are *extremely* rare.

Perhaps your “friends” were on tail end of an infection and no longer had detectable levels for the PCR.