Rapid Antigen Testing
Austin International School provides free, rapid antigen testing on an as-needs basis for students and staff. Please review the following details for more information about participating in this program.
Why is AIS offering rapid antigen testing?
One of the best tools we have to detect asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 is rapid, on-campus testing. To help us identify these cases, we are adding this additional layer of protection in our community. Rapid testing also supports our contact tracing efforts. We encourage families and staff to participate in this testing program that will help provide an additional layer of biosecurity for the AIS community.
What kind of tests are these? Who is paying?
This testing program is being offered free of charge to families and is being funded through a federal grant available to accredited PK-12 independent schools. Our testing partner is Achieve Health, and we are using GenBody COVID-19 lateral flow tests.
Who may participate in this rapid testing?
At this time, only enrolled students and employees of the school are permitted to participate in this rapid testing program. Students from all grades (PS to 4e / PreK3 to 8th) are eligible to participate.
Is my child automatically enrolled for rapid antigen Testing?
No. These tests are opt-in only, and families must complete an on-line consent form if you would like for your child to participate in the testing. Online consent forms are sent directly via email to families.
Where can I read the details of the consent form?
The details of the consent form will be sent in the opt-in sign-up email. You can also find a copy of these on our website.
What are these tests like? Are they uncomfortable?
The tests are quick, easy, and cause no discomfort. Both our antigen and PCR tests use a shallow nasal swab; these are not a nasopharyngeal swab. The tip of a cotton swab is inserted into the lower part of the nostril and circles are made around the inside of each nostril. Most test takers can swab themselves; a trained adult will assist when necessary.
When will the tests be conducted?
Rapid antigen tests are conducted on an as-needs basis.
When and how will I receive results?
Results are available to you in a matter of minutes.
What if my child tests positive for COVID?
Your child will be required to complete a minimum 5-day isolation period based on our updated school protocols. Your child may return to school on days 6-10 under our new Test-to-Stay (TTS) protocol.
My child has recently recovered from COVID. Should they participate?
Individuals who have recovered from COVID within the last 90 do not need to complete rapid antigen testing unless advised to do so by a medical progressional.
Can I opt-out of testing at any point?
Of course! If, after registering for the rapid antigen testing program, you choose to stop participating, then simply send an email via our Health Alert address and we will remove your child from the rapid antigen testing program.
Consent Form
Austin International School takes the health and safety of our students and their families very seriously. As such, in addition to steps to screen for the virus and prevent its spread on a campus, we are adding a voluntary, PK-8 COVID-19 rapid testing program for students and staff. This program uses GenBody COVID-19 rapid antigen lateral flow tests provided through federal funding. We will only test with your consent. If you are willing to provide consent for us to administer this test on your child, please complete and sign this consent form.
What is the test?
If your child is symptomatic or part of a group that is designated for testing, if you consent, your child will receive a free GenBody rapid test for the COVID-19 virus. Collecting a specimen for testing involves using a swab, similar to a Q-Tip, placed inside the tip of the nose. A school staff member who has been trained to use this test can collect the specimen and a trained COVID-19 test administrator will oversee the process. Test results will be made available to the parent/guardian who signs this form below. This program is entirely optional for students, although we hope you choose to have the test to keep our schools as healthy and safe as possible. The tests are being offered in addition to existing safety protocols such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent disinfection of surfaces.
What should I do when I receive my child’s test results?
If your child tests positive for the virus, your child will be moved to a room away from other students and staff until you can pick them up. We ask that you keep your child home until the infection period has ended (typically, after symptoms improve and at least 5-10 days from the date symptoms first appear) and your child is no longer contagious. If your child’s test results are negative, the virus was not found in the specimen tested and your child may continue to attend school without interruption. In a small number of cases, tests sometimes produce incorrect results – showing negative results (called “false negatives”) in people who have COVID-19 or showing positive results (called “false positives”) in people who don’t have COVID-19. If your child tests negative but has symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have concerns about your child’s exposure to COVID-19, you should call your child’s doctor, a licensed medical authority, or your local health department.
Known Symptoms:
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Loss of taste or smell
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Shaking or exaggerated shivering
- Significant muscle pain or ache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- This list does not include all possible symptoms.
Disclaimer: While we realize precautions will be taken for the safety of students, please understand that neither the test administrator nor Austin International School, nor any of its trustees, officers, employees, or organization sponsors are liable for any accident or injuries that may occur to your child as a result of agreeing to the test.