COVID-19 Courses & Training

SARS-CoV-2 ANTIGEN RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST TRAINING

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test training package?

• The training package is a set of training materials and supporting resources developed and made by ASLM in collaboration with partners to provide guidance and information on the use of antigen rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
• The SARS-COV-2 Ag RDTs referenced in the training include both lateral flow and device-based tests.
• The overall goal of these training materials is to support the scale-up of SARS-COV-2 testing in member states by creating an accessible, adaptable and thorough training package.

Who is the target audience for the SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test training package?

• The ultimate audience for the training is frontline healthcare workers and other end-user service providers engaged in COVID-19 testing.
• Materials are packaged as a “Training of Trainers (ToT) set” that should be used to deliver training to Trainers and End Users. However, anyone can access the materials and use the modules to review information for the use of antigen rapid diagnostic testing.
• In addition, governments entities (e.g., Ministries of Health, National COVID-19 Task Forces) of members states, funding agencies, and development partners may use the overview and training materials to plan for training in the context of scale-up.

What is the duration of this SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test training?

• The suggested length of training is two to three days.
• ToT training is recommended to be three days consisting of 2 days of didactic/theory training; ½ day dedicated for practical sessions; and ½ day dedicated for teach-backs.
• End-user training is recommended to be at least two days with 1.5 days dedicated to didactic/theory training and ½ day dedicated for practical sessions.
• Example training agendas are located in Module 00 for ToTs and the training agenda in Module 01 for end-user training.
• The duration can be adjusted and modified accordingly depending on the in-country local needs but should not exceed five days. The stakeholder managing and/or coordinating the training may appropriately modify and adapt the agendas to suit the local context and needs while ensuring adequate time remains allocated to each module

How does one access the SARS-COV-2 Antigen rapid diagnostic test training package?

• You are required to register and login to download the materials.
• The full training package meant for ToTs, but can also be accessed by all is available on the ASLM Academy website accessible at: https://aslm.org/courses/covid-19-antigen-training-materials/ .
• A training overview intended for Ministries of Health and other policy-making audiences is available for all.
• Assessments and certification forms are limited to trainers and can be accessed using an authentication code that will be made available via your country laboratory leadership. For more information and requests for accessing the assessments please email Silver Mashate at Smashate@aslm.org.

As a trainer, do I only need the presentations, or do I also need the supporting materials?

• Supporting materials for each module are an integral part of the training. Supporting materials include agendas, reference documents for training participants, activity handouts, and supplemental information.
• Trainers should review both the presentations and supporting materials prior to training.
• Trainers are encouraged to also make the resources from the supporting materials available and accessible to their participants/trainees

Should ToT training incorporate practice for teaching modules?

• Module 00: ToT Intro and Good Facilitation is dedicated to good facilitation skills for adult learning. Participants of ToTs should note these skills and utilize them during teach-backs
• Teach-backs or sessions where trainers can practice facilitation of the training modules are recommended to be incorporated into the ToT training agenda.
• Teach-backs can be structured in small groups where participants will present a pre-assigned training module to their group during the ToT.
• A rubric for teach-backs is located in Module 00 Supporting Materials. This rubric allows for group members or facilitators to provide feedback to the participant conducting the teach-back for the module.

Does the training package cover COVID-19 safety guidelines?

• Safety guidelines for antigen testing are located in Module 04: Safety & IPC for Antigen Testing.
• This module focuses on safety precautions and PPE surrounding the administration of antigen rapid diagnostic testing. This is meant for healthcare workers and other staff familiar with all safety and infection control procedures surrounding COVID-19.
• For individuals needing general safety information for COVID-19, additional information can be found in Module 04 Supporting Materials in the presentation titled Module 04B: General Safety and IPC.

May participants receive certificates after completing this SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test training?

• To receive the training certificate, participants must have attended 100% of the didactic/theory training sessions and score at least 80% and 100% in the theory and practical assessments respectively, as evaluated by the Trainer who has conducted the training.
• Trainers should email covid19agrdt_certification@aslm.org with the completed certificate registration form which is located in the downloadable training package. Participants will be verified and sent ASLM certificates to their email.