Tufts University is undertaking a pilot research study to see if combining multiple individual swabs into one collection tube could be used to conduct a broader surveillance program for SARs-Cov2 that could be utilized for testing of kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) students in local communities.  We would like to support the re-opening of the K-12 school systems in local communities by extending our operational protocol and available technology for screening and surveillance testing.  In order to realize this goal, Tufts must pilot a pooling scheme to assess the specificity and sensitivity of pooling.  The pilot study will take place on the Medford/Somerville campus only.

Once proven as a reliable and safe method for screening and surveillance testing, Tufts will be able to roll out this program working closely with our host communities.

Study Procedure. Participants will provide 1 extra self-administered swab sample for a total of 2 swabs. The first swab will be for individual testing in compliance with Tufts University Surveillance Campus Testing Program.  The second swab will be combined (pooled) with 7 other swabs obtained from other research participants in accordance with existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published guidance for testing. Tufts will adhere to Molecular Diagnostic Template for Laboratories and will draw upon the existing FDA guidance for both individual and pooled testing. You will not be informed of the results of the pooled testing.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please review the consent information http://go.tufts.edu/pooledpilotstudy.

For further information, please contact Alexandra.Simas@tufts.edu, the study coordinator.