Testing Guidelines

The State of California is currently following guidelines put into place by Tomás J. Aragón, MD, DrPH, Director and State Public Health Officer for the California Department of Public Health, which state that:

“Asymptomatic unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated workers are required to undergo diagnostic screening testing.

Workers may be tested with either antigen or molecular tests to satisfy this requirement, but unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated workers must be tested at least once weekly with either PCR testing or antigen testing. Any PCR (molecular) or antigen test used must either have Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or be operating per the Laboratory Developed Test requirements by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated workers must also observe all other infection control requirements, and are not exempted from the testing requirement even if they have a medical contraindication to vaccination, since they are still potentially able to spread the illness. Previous history of COVID-19 from which the individual recovered more than 90 days earlier, or a previous positive antibody test for COVID-19, do not waive this requirement for testing.

Schools with workers required to undergo workplace diagnostic screening testing should have a plan in place for tracking test results and conducting workplace contact tracing, and must report results to local public health departments. There are IT platforms available that can facilitate these processes for schools.”

How to Submit a Sample

Please obtain a sample kit. (Saliva or Nasal are both available which are supplied by InnerHealth Lab).

Please complete the registration found on the “Sample ID Card” which is located in the specimen bag. The registration is to be completed via the QR code on the bottom right corner of the card or the link located at the bottom. This will need to be completed on a mobile device or a computer.

Fill out all patient information on the sample card. The white sticker, also located in the bag, will need to be filled out and placed on the sample tube prior to submitting for testing.

Follow the instructions on sample collection via the pamphlet provided.

Note: The napkin also located in the bag is for any minor leaks that may occur during transit. It is not to be placed within the specimen container. This may result in our inability to conduct testing and we may contact you for a new specimen to be submitted which may delay your results.

Submit your sample to the Drop-off location of your choice prior to courier pick up. Courier times are available at all schools as well as the district office.

Once samples have been received at our facility, testing will be initiated and results will be reported to the email address provided during initial registration and a text message will be sent to the phone number provided notifying you that your results are available.

Patient Registration

Due to HIPAA regulations and patient privacy laws, we require a completed registration for anyone who is submitting a sample. The information provided remains confidential within our laboratory. We will only utilize this information in order to provide the results via email as well as bill insurance for our laboratory testing as needed. Refusal to complete the consent form may result in the school district’s inability to obtain clearance for work attendance, which may result in unexcused absence from district grounds until completed. Please advise, we will be unable to provide results over the phone as well without a consent form signed.

Positive Test Results

In the event you have received a Positive RT-PCR or Antigen result, please contact your School District to confirm the COVID-19 Response policies they have been put into place. All School Health Clerks, Principals, and Human Resources will be able to provide the information regarding school attendance and retesting.