In most cases, one classroom is considered one pool. We recommend separating pools by classroom because it makes it simpler to collect the swabs, since students are already in the same room. That said, there are many ways to organize groups into pools including athletic teams, homeroom classes, and activity groups, clubs, etc.
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 schools create a list or spreadsheet that encompasses:
- The Pooled Kit ID
- Pool Name or ID (an easy reference for you - e.g. “Mr. Smith’s class”
- Number of swabs in the tube (between 5-25)
- Date
- Pool Participants
- Name
- Contact information
- Confirmation of Consent Form
Some schools 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. The state of Massachusetts has recommended that teachers be tested as part of their classroom pool.