COVID-19 gargle tests to be distributed to Vancouver students who develop symptoms at school

B.C. Children’s Hospital is launching a COVID-19 testing program aimed at speeding up and easing the diagnosis process for Vancouver school kids.

Under the new program, students in the Vancouver school district who develop symptoms at school will be able to take a COVID mouth rinse/gargle test home with them.

Parents can then administer the test, and drop it off either at a collection site at the hospital or at any Life Labs location.

The gargle test is far less invasive than a nasal swab test, which can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for children.

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B.C. Children’s Hospital says the program comes out of a four-month pilot project in 10 Vancouver schools

It says families appreciated being able to get the test right away, and not to have to take their kids to a collection centre.

It will initially distribute 1,200 of the tests, 12 to each elementary and secondary school in the district. Those tests will be replenished as needed.

It says it is also exploring distributing the kits to other B.C. school districts.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control reminds parents that it is important that anyone using the test not eat, drink, vape, smoke, chew gum or brush their teeth for at least an hour before doing the test.