There are many ways to organize groups into pools including athletic teams, homeroom classes, and activity groups, clubs, etc. Separating pools like this makes it simpler to collect the swabs, since Test Takers are already in the same room.
For example, elementary and middle school students often already attend school in pods. So, schools with K-8 students can choose to use those existing pods as pooling groups.
When organizing your pools for test day, we have seen testing locations create a list or spreadsheet that encompasses:
- The Pooled Kit ID/barcode
- Pool Name or ID (an easy reference for you - e.g. “Mr. Smith’s class”
- Number of swabs in the tube
- Date
- Pool Participants
- Name
- Contact information
- Confirmation of Consent Form
- Individual Kit ID/barcode
Some testing locations have also limited the number of individuals per pool in order to make it simpler to conduct follow-up testing in the case of a positive pool.