Test Champions with Results Access can view both pooled and individual test results. To view the status of samples, click on the "Pooled Samples" tab or the "Test Takers" tabs at the top of the screen once you are logged into the Concentric portal. For instructions on how to view results, refer to “Test Champions: View Test Results” or "Over-18 Test Takers, Parents/Guardians: View Test Results".
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Pooled Sample Statuses
In Progress
This status indicates that samples have not arrived at the processing lab or have arrived, but not begun processing.
If you would like to request support from the Concentric team about samples with marked as “In Progress”, please follow these steps.
- Obtain the shipment tracking number(s) and verify that the package has been delivered.
- Follow up with your internal testing team to ensure that all samples were included in this shipment.
- If the shipment was delivered over 6 hours ago and your team has verified that all relevant samples were included in the shipment, please submit a request for assistance here.
- If the tracking number shows a delivery time of less than 6 hours ago, please monitor this sample's status in the testing portal and submit a request once 6 hours has passed.
Received
"Received" indicates that samples have arrived at the lab and are processing. Processing times can vary before results appear:
- Samples will occasionally need to be rerun. This is a normal part of lab processes to ensure quality results. There is no way to predict how long the extended processing duration may be, but it does not necessarily reflect any issues with sample integrity or collection.
- Our labs process samples in groups. This can lead to packages being split up into different processing times, even if samples are shipped together.
If you have questions regarding samples’ processing durations, you may request support from the Concentric team. However, processing times can vary and our lab team closely monitors sample processing duration. Our team will be proactively communicating with lab personnel and organizations regarding abnormal processing durations.
Presumed Positive/Negative/Indeterminate/Unusable
The individual PCR tube has the relevant result delivered by the lab. For more on test results, skip to the "Sample Statuses: Result Types" section of this article.
Individual Sample Statuses
Blank
If this column is blank, it means the individual PCR tube has not yet been scanned in by the lab. For any negative pools, the individual PCRs will remain with a "blank" status as they will not be processed by the lab.
For individual tests connected to non-negative pools, a status will appear after the pooled result has been delivered and the lab proceeds to scan in individual tests. There may be a short time lag between when the pooled sample result is delivered and the individual PCR tube is scanned in by the lab - this is very much an expected part of the process!
In Progress
The individual PCR tube has been scanned in by the lab & the sample is in the process of being run.
Positive/Negative/Inconclusive/Unusable
The individual PCR tube has the relevant result delivered by the lab. For more on test results, skip to the "Sample Statuses: Result Types" section of this article.
Sample Statuses: Result Types
Positive/Presumed Positive
A positive or presumed positive result means the virus which causes COVID-19 was detected in the sample.
- Pooled "Presumed Positive" Result: When a pooled test produces a positive result, at least one person in the group is presumed infected. Since the pooled test returns results at the pool group level, you will not know which individual is presumed infected. If a pooled tube is Presumed Positive, the individual samples connected to that pool will be processed.
Negative
A negative result means the virus that causes COVID-19 was not detected in the sample.
Indeterminate/Inconclusive
The sample fell out of the detection limit of our assay. An inconclusive result means that the result is neither positive nor negative. If a pooled tube is Inconclusive, the individual samples connected to that tube will be processed.
Inconclusive result: Tips for future prevention
- Ensure that every test taker swabs according to the Collection Instructions.
- If a test observer notices that the test taker swab appears to have a lot of debris, please have this individual blow their nose and re-swab. For example, inhaled sawdust from working in a woodshop or bloody noses.
Unusable
Tubes with an unusable result do not pass the quality control standards for our tests, which makes us unable to process these samples. However, if a pooled tube is Unusable, the individual samples connected to that tube will be processed in certain cases. If the reason is something physically wrong with the pool kit (inverted swabs or too many/too few, for example), the lab will be able to run the individual tests. If the reason is data-driven (damaged or mismatched barcode, for example), then the lab cannot process the individual tests.
Possible causes
- Name and/or Date of Birth on individual tubes does not match the information that is in our portal (NOTE: this information MUST be written on the individual tube labels in order for the lab to process the individual samples)
- Samples do not begin processing within the sample stability window of 72 hours
- Individual samples were NOT sent to the lab with the pooled tube
- Swabs were placed incorrectly into the pooled tube
- Damaged barcode
- Individual barcodes do not match what is registered to the tube in the portal
Unusable result: tips for future prevention
- Ensure the information written on the tubes (name & DOB) matches exactly to the information for Test Takers in the portal, and that individual tubes are properly registered
- Use the correct packaging when shipping
- Ensure that sample swabs are placed in the tube with fluffy tip down and plastic shaft up
- Have Test Takers swab according to the Collection Instructions
- Be mindful of the external barcode on each tube. If the barcode is damaged, we will be unable to scan it into our system for processing
- Be mindful that the individual tubes you scan match the individuals registered to the pool in the portal