School-Administered Rapid Antigen Testing

Looking for Rapid Antigen Test Kit Order Forms? Click Here.

The School-Administered Rapid Antigen testing option supports schools with Point of Care (PoC) testing on students and staff by providing no-cost rapid antigen test kits. This is a great option for schools who want to do any testing with their own staff.

Rapid Antigen Point-of-Care Testing Checklist

Last Updated 2/10/2022

To perform Point-of-Care testing with rapid antigen tests, all schools need the following. To get started on the process, ensure you are registered at www.nmschoolscovidtesting.com/registration or contact us with questions. Technical support is available on our website and through info@nmschoolscovidtesting.com.

An Up-to-Date CLIA Certificate of Waiver

This is an allowable expense under Program Option D - Direct Funding.

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Registration into SimpleReports

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Please ensure your school has an adequate supply of PPE and all testing staff have reviewed CDC guidance on the use of PPE. PPE is an allowable expense under Program Option D - Direct Funding.

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A Biohazard Waste Management Disposal Service

If you are conducting any PoC testing, including COVID-19 testing, you will need to make arrangements with a waste management company or make other arrangements (some have agreements with their School Based Health Center) for biohazard waste management. This is an allowable expense under Program Option D - Direct Funding.

NM Schools Infectious Waste Management Guidance and Procedures

NM Registered Infectious Waste Haulers

Infectious Waste Manifest

Infectious Waste Manifest Example

Manufacturer Training

The district or school must either receive COVID-19 test training from PMG or complete the online training for each COVID-19 test product (each testing product will have a different training).

BD Veritor Training

Abbott BinaxNOW Training

Standing Order

You are required to obtain a NMDOH Standing Order to Administer Point of Care (rapid) COVID-19 Tests to participate in this testing program. All program requirements must be met prior to receiving authorization and access to the test kit ordering system. Standing orders will be issued through info@nmschoolscovidtesting.com after verification of checklist completion.

Alerts and Updates

1/21/2021: BD Veritor COVID-19 /Flu A+B Protocol

Click here for more information on what to do if you receive a test kit that includes Flu A+B detection.

Rapid Antigen Basics

Rapid antigen tests can be administered for individuals with or without COVID-19 symptoms. While these tests provide quick results—within 15 minutes—they are generally considered to be less accurate than PCR tests.

However, when administered while someone is at the peak of their infection, rapid antigen tests generally provide accurate results as this is when virus levels in the body are the highest.

Please note that a negative antigen test result on a symptomatic individual will require a PCR test for further confirmation.

The BD Veritor Plus System is a rapid antigen test. It provides results in about 15 minutes and includes an analyzer to simplify interpreting test results. Collecting the specimen for testing involves using a small swab into the front of the nose

Abbott BinaxNOW BinaxNOW is a rapid antigen test. Results from this test are usually available in about 15 minutes. Collecting the specimen for testing involves using a small swab into the front of the nose. Please note that, due to the manufacturer’s supply chain, Abbott BinaxNOW kits may be delayed. Please be prepared to use the BD Veritor Rapid Antigen Test Kits, as this will be offered to your school in exchange.

For more common question about rapid antigen, visit our FAQs