BD Triplex Parent Letter
New COVID-19 and Flu A + B tests available!
The Learn to Return program funded by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) provides free COVID-19 testing for Washington K-12 schools. This letter is to inform you that through this program, the Colville School District will start offering BD Veritor Triplex SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A+B testing at our district starting 01/03/2023.
Knowing if it is COVID-19 or the flu allows families and caregivers to make informed decisions about staying home and seeking follow-up care as needed. Our goal is to provide a healthy and safe environment for all students, so everyone can get back to in-person learning sooner!
Please see the frequently asked questions about BD Triplex below to help you learn more about this technology:
What is BD Veritor SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A+B test?
Also known as BD Triplex, this test is a rapid antigen test that uses one sample to detect three viruses: COVID-19, flu A, and flu B. It only takes 15 minutes to get clear results for each sample. Watch this short video for more details on how this test works. You can also look at the BD Veritor for SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A+B Patient Factsheet for more information.
What does this mean for me as a parent/student?
Getting tested with BD Triplex is a similar experience to getting tested with other COVID-19 tests since the sample collection method is the same. BD Triplex’s only difference is that it detects flu as well as COVID-19 using a single sample.
What should I do if I want my student to be tested with BD Triplex?
Your next step is to sign a consent form: Parents/caregivers who want their student to participate in BD Triplex testing are asked to sign a consent form. To prevent gaps in testing, we request that parents or caregivers sign the consent form on behalf of their student and return it by 12/17/2022 or at the time of testing. This form can be completed online here and printed out to send to school or will be available at school.
What if my student tests positive for Flu A + B or COVID-19?
The school district will share positive flu or COVID-19 results with students and their parent or caregiver who have given consent to be tested. Your student may be sent home with information on the flu or what to do if you test positive for COVID-19. For more information about the flu, please review Flu: A Guide for Parents and What to Do if your Child Gets the Flu.
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our school community safe during these challenging times.