RATs for kids: a guide to testing kids ahead of school return

With children returning back to classrooms, a leading doctor reveals how parents can prepare their kids.

With more than two million kids across Victoria and NSW returning to the classroom when term one starts next week, many may be concerned about the twice-weekly testing.

Both state governments have planned for a safe return to face-to-face learning which will require all school-aged children to take two rapid antigen tests weekly for a month.

This will work in addition to mandatory mask indoor wearing for grades 3 and above, more classroom ventilation and Covid testing for teachers.

Jells Park Primary School Captains Anastasia and Ben with a Rapid antigen test kit. Picture: NewsWire

The plan, which was devised in partnership with the both governments, will see RATs in place for the first four weeks of term one.

Melbourne-based ear nose and throat surgeon Dr Eric Levi says it will be important for parents to ensure they link the testing experience with a “positive message and memory”.

“A slow and gentle technique will help everyone. There are good educational videos available on social media,” he said.

Dr Levi explains how students can prepare for the rapid tests ahead of the school start, and how to do the test properly.

HOW CAN PARENTS PREPARE THEIR CHILDREN BEFORE TAKING THE TEST?

“Talk it out with them. Show them videos of how it‘s done. Be honest with them. Do not say ‘it’s easy’ or ‘it’s not painful’,” Dr Levi said.

“Acknowledge that this is something unusual and that it can be a little uncomfortable.

“Kids need to understand that this will help their families and friends to keep each other safe. Talking it out and showing videos will help alleviate their worries.

“Do some practice runs with tissue twirls or small cotton buds. Get an adult to show them how it‘s done with a cotton bud.”

HOW LONG SHOULD PARENTS ALLOW IN THE MORNING WHEN TAKING THE TEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN?

“At least 20 minutes, especially the first few times it‘s done. Carers need to familiarise themselves with the kit,” Dr Levi said.

“The stress of the first day back at school and the stress of doing this may be overwhelming for many families. It takes a few minutes to set the kit up.

“It then takes a few minutes to get the kids in a comfortable position and then at least 15 minutes to read the test. Some tests are quicker, others slower, depending on the brand.

“Follow the timing instructions. This routine will become faster and some kids may be able to do it themselves.”

HOW DO YOU PROPERLY TAKE THE TEST FOR KIDS?

“Most common mistake is thinking that it‘s going to be painful. Doing it slowly and well will not cause pain. Going too superficially is not enough and going too high can be dangerous,” Dr Levi said.

“The front of the nose is lined with dry hairy skin. The test is meant to capture mucosa and viruses lining the mucosa and mucous of the nose.

“So the tip has to go in further than just the hairy bit of the nostril. 2-3cm in, low and slow with circular motion for 15 seconds or so will help ensure you are sampling the right mucosa.”

“Kids might prefer the saliva test, but the nasal test is not painful when done correctly. Same technique, going low and going really slowly. 1-2cm in. Head in your arms or resting on a sofa or pillow,” Dr Levi said.

“The testing hand stabilises on the cheek or lip so that when the kid moves suddenly, the swab stick won’t hurt the kid.”

How do you do a Rapid Antigen Test on a child?

Here you go! (Quick vid due to time)

Wash hands, blow nose.
Kid’s head on arm/pillow.
Swab hand resting on chin or cheek in case sudden moves.
GO LOW, GO SLOW.
Gentle twirl 1-2cm for 10-15 seconds.
Do other side.

Take care! pic.twitter.com/zfnGFlHlTp

— Dr Eric Levi (@DrEricLevi) January 10, 2022

HOW DO YOU PROPERLY TAKE THE TEST FOR TEENS?

“Give them the autonomy to do it themselves. Some may prefer to let adults do it on them while others may prefer to do it themselves,” Dr Levi said.

“The actual technique is the same. Rest head on a chair with a headrest or a comfortable sofa. Hold the swab stick comfortably and insert the swab stick slowly. Going low and going slow is the key. Aim towards the floor and the back of the nose.

“The nose is narrow on top and many of us have deviated nasal septum which means one side of the nose may well be more narrow than the other side.

“Insert 2-3 cm in, beyond the dry hairy skin of the nostrils. Take time to rotate the swab in the nose. No need to push against resistance as it‘s painful and unnecessary.”

SHOULD PARENTS TAKE THE SWAB OR THE STUDENT THEMSELVES?

“That depends on the maturity and dexterity of the child. Some kids may be able to do it themselves,” Dr Levi said.

“Discuss this with your child and ask them what they would prefer.”

How to register your positive RAT result

Most states now provide an online form where you can register a positive Rapid Antigen Test result.

In some states, registration for positive for Rapid Antigen Test is complulsory. You will need to register the result or face a fine.

Here’s how to do it in the states where it is available.

• Register in Victoria

• Register in New South Wales

• Register in Queensland

• Register in South Australia

• Register in Northern Territory

• Register in Tasmania

 

WILL THE TWO TESTS EACH WEEK HAVE A LONG TERM IMPACT ON THE STUDENT?

“No long term damage to regular nasal swabbing as far as we know. I look after children with nasogastric feeding tubes for months or years without any long term issues in the nose,” Dr Levi said.

“Hopefully this practice of routine swabbing will be stopped as soon as the critical part of the pandemic wave is over.

“Some kids may have an underlying hayfever or sensitive noses predisposing them to frequent nosebleeds.

“Keeping the nose wet is a good way of keeping the mucosa healthy. Use regular saline nasal sprays a couple of sprays a few times a day.

“The use of vaseline or sorbolene at night before bed to keep the internal nose moisturised is also beneficial to reduce nose bleeds in these situations.”