Rapid Antigen Testing

Rapid antigen testing is convenient because the turnaround time is less than two hours. This is helpful when the turnaround time of RT-PCR can stretch to several days. Particularly, it is helpful when symptomatic individuals with an exposure history test positive. However, several rapid tests have a high frequency of false positives or false negatives. The lack of reliability of these tests makes them less effective in both the clinical and educational setting. Parker has learned over time that accepting rapid antigen test results is not an adequate substitute for either LAMP screening or RT-PCR. In the past, in an effort to accommodate the academic needs of families, and given the slow turnaround of RT-PCR tests, the nurses’ office has occasionally accepted rapid antigen testing on a case-by-case basis. Moving forward we will not accept any rapid antigen test results for re-entry or participation in in-person school activities. An RT-PCR test or the school’s LAMP screening program are the only acceptable tests for re-entry to in-person school activities provided the student has fulfilled all other requirements for return to in-person, such those related to travel (see below).