Limited No-Cost Test Kits Available from NMDOH
Dear School and District Leaders,
We hope that you have had an excellent start to the 2022-2023 School Year. We are writing to inform you of a limited opportunity to request no-cost rapid antigen (Abbott BinaxNOW) and Over-the-Counter (OraSure InteliSwab) COVID-19 test kits.
Test kits for K-12 schools are being made available through the CDC Reopening of Schools program. Requests will be filled through an NMDOH warehouse. Although we will be unable to provide a delivery date or guarantee for the fulfillment at this time, requesters will be contacted when their tests are prepared for shipment.
Recipients of school-administered rapid antigen test kits will need to certify that they have completed all the requirements for onsite testing, including possession of a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, registration into SimpleReport, manufacturer training, and a biohazardous waste management plan. These requirements only apply to tests performed by school staff and do not apply if, for example, Over-the-Counter tests are simply distributed to students and staff.
Schools and districts enrolled in the Direct Funding program are still able to receive reimbursement for their test kit purchases, regardless of whether they receive supplies through this opportunity.
Please submit questions to info@nmschoolscovidtesting.com.
Thank you,
New Mexico Schools COVID-19 Testing Program
Abbott BinaxNOW
Abbott BinaxNOW is a rapid antigen test with a 15 minute processing time. Samples are collected using a small swab into the front of the nose.
- Abbott BinaxNOW Training Videos
- Abbott BinaxNOW Patient Information Sheet - English, Spanish
BD Veritor
BD Veritor is a rapid antigen test with a 15 minute processing time. Samples are collected through a small swab in the front of the nose. This test must be administered by trained school personnel. BD Veritor kits come with an analyzer for easy interpretation.
- BD Veritor Virtual Training Videos
- BD Veritor Training Checklist
- BD Veritor Patient Information Sheet: English, Spanish
Accula
The Accula rapid PCR test is a digital platform that provides results in approximately 30 minutes.
Certain Accula tests with manufacture dates of December 30, 2021, to January 1, 2022, and January 15, 2022, to January 23, 2022, are being recalled for risk of false positives caused by contamination. Per the FDA, if you have Accula tests manufactured during those dates, stop using them immediately and dispose of or return the remaining inventory. Customers with questions or concerns about this recall may contact Mesa Biotech at 1-858-800-4929, or 1-800-955-6288 and select option 2. As of today, no New Mexico schools have received recalled tests from PMG. Click this link to find the lot numbers for tests that are being recalled.
- Accula Patient Information Sheet: English
FlowFlex
- Instructions for FlowFlex Self-Test (Prepared by NMDOH) - English, Spanish
- FlowFlex Instructional Video - English, Spanish
- FlowFlex FAQs
- FlowFlex Quick Reference Instructions
- FlowFlex Package Insert - English, Spanish
OraSure InteliSwab
InteliSwab is a COVID-19 Rapid test for Over-the-Counter use. After users swab their lower nostrils, the test stick is swirled in a pre-measured solution, and the result appears right on the test stick within 30 minutes.
- InteliSwab Patient Information Sheet: English
- InteliSwab Instructions: English, Spanish
- InteliSwab Training Video
Additional Information
Options for Testing:
- Contract with another vendor or manufacturer to receive test kits and testing supplies. Click to download a shortlist of rapid antigen test vendors. Another list of
vendors is available from the Open and Safe Schools website at this link: https://www.openandsafeschools.org/partners#Testing-Partners. These tests are reimbursable
through the Direct Funding component of this program. - Share the NMDOH COVID-19 Testing Dashboard for resources on testing locations.
Please note that many antigen tests have been given extended expiration dates:
- If you received the iHealth antigen tests, you can check your tests here for extended expiration dates: https://ihealthlabs.com/pages/news
- If you received another brand of antigen tests, you can check the FDA website for extended expiration dates: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list