Salivary tests start in Lazio: how they are done and what they are for

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September 14, 2021 The Plan for monitoring the circulation of Sars-CoV-2 in primary and lower secondary schools in ASL Roma 5 starts on September 15. on saliva) and as many samples by taking the Salivette method (antigen test on saliva). It starts with the Ic Tivoli II center, Plexus Baccelli. The surveillance provides for the identification of "sentinel schools" and the subsequent offer of salivary tests to a sample of primary and lower secondary school students. In Lazio, the Plan provides for over 5,000 salivary tests to be carried out every 15 days. The other two sentinel schools to follow are the IC Città dei Bambini di Mentana and theIc Margherita Hack di Colleferro to which others from the territory will be added that enter the monthly program immediately.

In detail: WHAT IT IS ABOUT. For the 2021/2022 school year, the Commissarial Structure for the Covid-19 emergency has prepared a "Plan for monitoring the circulation of Sars-CoV-2 in primary and lower secondary schools". The monitoring plan aims to control the circulation of the virus responsible for Covid cases in schools, and therefore protect the performance of face-to-face teaching. 

HOW DOES IT WORK. Saliva collection is a simple method, less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swab, and highly reliable in the results. The sample is collected by soaking the pupil with saliva in a sterile sponge for at least 60 seconds. The sample must be taken as soon as you wake up and on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes after food or drink and teeth cleaning. The ASL has prepared detailed illustrative material to guide students and families in the simple saliva collection activity. The sample will be collected according to the instructions provided by the ASL / School and then analyzed by one of the ASL reference laboratories for the performance of a molecular test, which identifies the presence of the genetic material of the Sars-CoV-2 virus. 

THE RESULTS. The negative test results will be communicated the day after the sample collection to the parent / legal guardian by SMS or by e-mail. In the event of a positive test, the parents will be promptly contacted by telephone by the ASL and the positive subject must be placed in home isolation and follow the instructions of the attending physician and the services of the ASL, for the most appropriate measures.