What happens if I test negative on the rapid antigen test?

If a symptomatic staff member tests negative on the rapid antigen test, the nurse or health assistant will run a confirmatory PCR test. A second nasal swab will be obtained, placed in a tube with a preservative medium and sent to a lab. The confirmatory PCR test may take a few days up to one week to complete. The school will notify the staff member immediately after the point of care testing is completed and the staff member must go home.  

Who will have access to COVID-19 test results?

By providing consent, you are consenting to sharing test results with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Howard County Health Department (HCHD) for contact tracing purposes only. 

Rapid antigen test results will be entered into the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Patients (CRISP) for MDH and HCHD to view. PCR test results will be entered into MAKO Medical Laboratory Provider Portal for HCHD to view.

What is the HCPSS COVID-19 Testing Program?

HCPSS is offering a voluntary K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program that will provide free COVID-19 tests for students and school-based staff who develop COVID-like symptoms or are identified as close contacts while they are in a school building. Parents/guardians should not send their children to school, and staff should not report to work if they are presenting COVID-like symptoms. 

The program includes two components: