Mirimus COVID-19 Testing Program Guide

Top 3 Reasons a COVID-19 Testing Program is Being Implemented at Your School

Testing helps us to catch any cases of COVID-19 before they become outbreaks. In almost half of COVID cases, the individual does not experience symptoms but can still spread COVID-19, which is why testing everyone regularly helps to prevent spread and keep our schools open safely.

1. Help prevent COVID-19 spread in school

“Weekly testing of all students, teachers, and staff can reduce in-school infections by an estimated 50 percent”

— Rand Corporation and Mathematica Report, commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation, 02-04-21

2. Build confidence among families and staff

3. Protect the broader community

“Nearly half of all SARS-CoV-2 infections are transmitted by people who are not showing any symptoms…A positive test early in the course of the illness enables individuals to isolate themselves – reducing the chances that they will infect others and allowing them to seek treatment earlier, likely reducing disease severity and the risk of long-term disability, or death.”

— NIH Leadership Message, 9-04-2020

What type of test does Mirimus use?

Mirimus uses a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to detect viral RNA in your saliva or nasal swab sample. The test is performed in a laboratory where the presence of viral RNA can be detected even before antibodies or symptoms of the disease are present. This means the tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on in their illness.

During the PCR testing, enzymes are added to the samples to copy any viral RNA that may be present. This is so that enough copies of the RNA are present to signal a positive result. Only the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA that causes COVID-19 can be copied so that it is the only virus detected by the testing.

Mirimus also uses surveillance pool testing to increase sample processing throughput and lower the cost of testing.

How do I self-collect my saliva sample?

Saliva Self-Collection Kit Instructions

• This kit is for saliva collection only.
• Do not deposit mucus, phlegm, blood, other substances, or foreign objects.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or brush your teeth at least 30 minutes prior to providing your sample.
• Do not use mouthwash for at least 2 hours prior to providing your sample.

Download Self-Collection Kit Instructions

• Saliva Self-Collection Instructions - English (PDF)
• Saliva Self-Collection Instructions - Spanish (PDF)

How do I get test results?

After samples have been collected and transported to the lab your sample will be processed with all the samples received from your school. When processing is finished, typically within 24 hours of receiving your samples at our lab, results will be made available to your school administration though the Mirimus results portal.

Your school administration will review results and take action and communicate to participants that have positive or inconclusive or invalid results. If your individual results are positive, your school will contact you by phone or email and direct you to your next steps of confirmatory testing and possible quarantine.

What do my results mean?

Do I need to provide consent to my school for testing?

Testing at your school requires permission to administer the test and collect and provide the information required by your state for COVID-19 testing. Consent is collected by your school from parents, guardians, teachers, staff, and students over 18 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Mirimus Testing FAQ - English (PDF)
• Mirimus Testing FAQ - Spanish (PDF)

For Administrators Only

School District Agreement

• Memorandum of Agreement

Communication Templates

• Introduction Letter to School Community - English (DOCX)
• Introduction Letter to School Community - Spanish (PDF)
• Contact Information for Parents - English (DOCX)
• Contact Information for Parents - Spanish (DOCX)

Consent Forms

• Consent for PCR Saliva Testing Form (Online)
• Consent for Testing Form - Spanish (PDF)

Testing and Results Portal

If your school has appointed you as the test results administrator, you will be given access to Mirimus Consent Collection and Test Results. The platform will give you access to consent rosters, test participation numbers, pool test results, and individual results data. You will receive an email invitation to access when your school is enrolled and onboarded.‍

Is my school testing with Mirimus SalivaClear?