Self-testing: Children under 15 can use them

Having published on 16 March 2021, a first opinion on the antigenic tests on nasal samples, HAS returned a second opinion on these tests and lifts the age limit that was set. They are a new screening tool for under-15s and offer several advantages:

• speed of results: between 15 and 30 minutes (these tests do not need to be sent to a laboratory);
• use that can be repeated in a wider audience;
• good acceptability: they are less invasive than nasopharyngeal RT-PCR tests.

The HAS recommends in particular their use in the form of self-tests in schools. In her view, repeated large-scale screening should be carried out in nursery and primary schools, colleges, high schools and universities, both among pupils, teachers and staff in contact with pupils. It recommends that the tests be carried out at least once a week according to the sampling methods most suited to the age, the abilities of the child and the local context.

• Students, high school and college students can do the self-test independently (after a first test under the supervision of a competent adult if necessary).
• For primary school students, self-sampling initially supervised is also possible but it is preferable that the test be done by parents or trained staff.
• For children in nursery school, the sampling and testing will have to be carried out by these same actors. For very young audiences, salivary RT-PCR tests are also possible.

The HAS is in favor of supporting these tests in these schools and universities.