Covid-19 Updates

Missouri Rapid Antigen Test Program

Missouri continues to provide K-12 schools with COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to help safely deliver in-person learning.

The antigen testing program provides all K-12 schools within Missouri two options for testing. DHSS provides the antigen tests at no-cost to schools. 1) Conduct onsite testing using the ACON Flowflex rapid antigen test kits. 2) Offer iHealth rapid antigen tests to staff and students for use at home.

Use Cases

1. Schools and ECE programs can promote and offer diagnostic testing for people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19. If people who have COVID-19 are identified early and isolate at home, schools and ECE programs can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2. At high COVID-19 Community Levels, CDC encourages schools and ECE programs to consider implementing screening testing for high risk activities (for example close contact sports, band or choir); at key times in the year (for example, prom, group travel); and when returning from breaks (such as holidays, spring break, at the beginning of the school year).
3. At medium to high COVID-19 Community Levels those serving students who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19, such as those with moderate or severe immunocompromise or complex medical conditions may want to consider screening testing.

Program Information

Items to note:

• Schools can choose to conduct tests in-office using ACON FlowFlex tests and/or distribute them to the K-12 population (staff/students) for home use using iHealth tests.
• When ordering tests, you will order the number needed for each testing option. (i.e. Tests for At-Home Distribution: 180, Tests for In-Office Administration: 300). See table below for more information.
• Tests are shipped from the warehouse on Mondays only at this time. All orders submitted up to midnight on Sunday will be included in the weekly order.

  Testing Location	Test Available	Minimum Order
  At school	ACON FlowFlex	300 tests (tests must be ordered in multiples of 300); 300 tests = 300 people tested
  At home	iHealth	180 tests (there are two tests per test kit; must be ordered in multiples of 180); 180 tests = 90 people receiving test kit

To receive antigen tests, new users must:

• Complete an application. Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application
• Complete the required training and provide verification of that training.
• Submit a testing plan.

To receive antigen tests, exisiting users must:

• Provide any updates to consite testing locations and testing staff for onsite testing.
• All participating schools can order tests for onsite testing and at-home testing, if desired. If choosing to include an at-home testing option, review/revise your existing testing plan to include the at-home testing option and send the new testing plan to antigentesting@health.mo.gov and cc: Cheryl.Stock@health.mo.gov

Visit the DHSS Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application and Resource Page for testing resources.

Schools and ECE programs should consult with their local public health partners and consider the COVID-19 Community Level for their community to guide mitigation strategies.

If you have questions about starting a COVID-19 testing program, contact antigentesting@health.mo.gov and cc: Cheryl.Stock@health.mo.gov.

At-home Testing

Schools distributing COVID-19 tests for home use may reference DHSS’s At-home COVID Test Distribution Guide.

The iHealth Plain Language Instructions will guide the user through the test administration process.