C19-SCHOOL, pooled testing of primary school staff for COVID-19, v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
C19-SCHOOL: A longitudinal prospective study to evaluate detection of COVID-19 in asymptomatic or symptomatic teaching and support staff in a north London primary school using pooled sampling.
IRAS ID
289551
Contact name
Patricia de Winter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
IDH Research Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 0 days
Research summary
Identification of positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 and controlling the spread of COVID-19 cannot be achieved using a single or even a few type(s) of testing kits or method, as global demand for reagents and consumables would exceed supply. Adoption of multiple testing strategies is therefore a prudent approach to avoid overwhelming healthcare systems. Strategies that reduce costs and testing time and increase throughput are of particular interest. One such method is sample pooling, which has the potential to provide rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. This study will investigate pooling of up to 19 samples, which has the potential to reduce reagent costs at least five-fold compared with individual testing when all pools test negative and using the assay and kits which will be used for method validation and testing. Testing asymptomatic individuals by pooling rather than only symptomatic participants individually may also contribute to early detection of cases, hence rapid self-isolation and prevention of further spread. This approach is particularly suited to institutions such as schools, where individuals who test positive, and their contacts, can be rapidly contacted and advised to self-isolate. With the emergence of a new, more infectious strain and the threat of school closures, implementaion of rapid mass testing strategies are a government priority. This study seeks to address the mass testing problem by evaluating pooled testing in a large primary education setting testing all staff. The study will support the NHS TTI strategy by reporting results to the local PHE health protection team.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/4725
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion