School-Administered Testing


Schools may choose to administer their own COVID-19 testing for a variety of reasons. Please reference the guidance below to ensure you are legally prepare to implement testing in your school or district.

Options for Free or Reimbursed COVID-19 Tests

Please note that many antigen tests have been given extended expiration dates:

The Department of Health does not regulate medical waste. Please follow the manufacturers recommendations or your state’s disposal guidelines of used and unused/expired test kits: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/use-and-store-home-covid-19-tests-properly-avoid-potential-harm-fda-safety-communication

New Mexico Point-of-Care (POC) Testing in Schools Guidance

The NM POC Testing in Schools Guidance Document is an extremely helpful resource for all point-of-care testing in schools. For more information, contact your School Health Advocate.

NM POC Testing in Schools Guidance

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. All New Mexico schools and districts may work with REC1 to be supported by their CLIA CoW program at no charge. Find more information at this link.

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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.


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).

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


For more common question about rapid antigen, visit our FAQs