LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 355.01 COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (306.11)
 
Policy Category:  Clinical
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated
Responsible Party:  Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
 
Approved by Curley L. Bonds, MD, Chief Medical Officer, on Aug 03, 2023
 
I.  PURPOSE
 
This policy establishes the use of a COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen via nasopharyngeal swab or anterior nasal swab at directly operated clinics in the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH).
 
II.  DEFINITIONS
 
Clinic: Any DMH directly operated facility.

Nasopharyngeal Swab Antigen Test: Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the detection of extracted nucleocapsid protein antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimens.

Authorized Personnel: Physician, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, nurse practitioner, psychiatric technician, clinical pharmacist
 
III.  POLICY
 
COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic test kit shall only be obtained from DMH Pharmacy Services.
 
Only authorized personnel shall perform tests.
 
Clinical competency shall be demonstrated to and deemed satisfactory by the Chief of Nursing or designee on an annual basis.
 
Test kits shall be stored in the sealed pouch away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.

Test kits shall not be frozen.
  • Store CareStart COVID-19 Test Cartridge between 1°C to 30°C (33.8°F to 86°F)
  • Store Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen HOME Test between 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F)
Authorized personnel shall check the expiration date of a test kit prior to use.
 
Opened or expired test kits shall not be used.
 
Test samples shall be processed immediately after collection.
 
Used test kits shall be discarded properly.
 
Authorized personnel who perform and interpret test results shall document results in the Integrated Behavioral Health Information System (IBHIS).
 
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
Procedures - CareStart COVID-19 Antigen Point-of-Care Test
Procedures - Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
 
V.  AUTHORITY
 
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
 
VI.  ATTACHMENT
 
CareStart COVID-19 Antigen Test Instructions for Use
FlowFlex