FAQ - FREQUENTly asked QUESTIONS
TEST RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION
What is tested for?
We only test for antibodies, i.e. signs that your child has already been through an infection with the corona virus. We can detect antibodies 5-7 days after infection or even later, depending on the antibodies you are looking for. We do not test for whether the child is currently infected with the corona virus.
The antibody test of my child is positive, what does this result mean?
If there are antibodies against the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the blood, this means that an infection with the virus has taken place. It should be noted that, given the low rate of the virus spread in Switzerland, a small number of positive tests may erroneously be positive, as there may be cross-reactions with other viruses. Further information can be found here.
The antibody test of my child was positive, is my child still contagious?
The antibodies are usually present the blood 5-7 days after the start of infection. Since we already carried out the test on your child a few weeks ago, the probability that your child is still infectious at the moment is very low. Therefore, based on the antibody test result, no self-isolation of your child is necessary.
Is my child now protected against re-infection with the corona virus?
It is not yet clear if, or for how long, your child is protected against a new infection with the corona virus by the antibodies in the blood. According to current knowledge, it seems likely that at least a temporary immunity is present, but precise research results are not yet available on this. The possibility of renewed infection with the coronavirus is therefore not excluded. It is therefore important to continue to follow the current recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health.
The antibody test of my child is negative, what does this result mean?
Unfortunately, a negative test result does not protect anyone from future infection. Please continue to protect yourself and your family from infection.
COMMUNICATION OF THE RESULTS
When will I know the test result of my child?
Usually the laboratory delivers the test results within a few days. We make every effort to communicate the test results to you as soon as possible. Please understand that this process can take some time.
How will I be informed about my child's test result?
In case of a negative test result (no antibodies against SARS-CoV-19) you will receive an email from us. In case of a positive test result we will contact you by phone. Please note that we rely on the contact details that you provide in the online questionnaire to communicate the test results. It is not possible to communicate the test result without your data from the questionnaire. Please contact us if you no longer have a code to complete the online questionnaire. We will gladly send you a new code.
Will the test result be communicated after each planned test round?
Yes, you will receive this information at every test date.
FURTHER TESTING
When will you be tested as parents?
Parents can be tested free of charge at their child's school after the 2020 summer holidays. They will receive more detailed information from us by the end of the summer holidays. However, this is only possible if you have completed the online questionnaire. Please contact us if you no longer have a code to complete the online questionnaire. We will gladly send you a new code.
When will the school staff be tested?
School staff can be tested free of charge at school after the 2020 summer holidays and during the course of the study. The school management will inform the staff accordingly before the end of the summer holidays.
Can other family members or acquaintances also be tested in this context?
The free tests are limited to the parents of the participating child(ren). Unfortunately, testing other family members would exceed our resources. Exceptions are made for legal representatives of the children who are not the parents but live in the same household as the child.
Can children be tested whose class has not been selected?
Unfortunately we cannot accept additional children. The schools and classes were chosen randomly, therefore, for scientific reasons we cannot accept additional individual children from different classes.
QUESTIONNAIRE
I would like to fill out the online questionnaire, where can I find it?
Instruction and access data for filling out the online questionnaire are included in the documents together with the information for parents. If you have not received such instructions, please contact us by e-mail () or call the hotline or .
Why are there personal questions in the online questionnaire that have nothing to do with the coronavirus (e.g. How long does a child play on the computer?)
Some researchers in Switzerland are interested in findings on the effects of the unique corona period because of its drastic measures on lifestyle and quality of life. The Ciao Corona study is part of the Swiss-wide Corona Immunitas Program and our team is cooperating with all researchers involved. These questions are therefore being integrated into various studies throughout Switzerland.
TEST PROGRESS
How much blood is taken from my child?
We take one tube of blood per study visit. That's 9 cc's, a little less than a tablespoon. Your child has a total of at least 3-4 liters of blood.
Can I be present during the blood withdrawal?
Yes, one parent can be present during the blood collection to support the child. It is best to contact your child's school to find out what time your child's test is scheduled for.
What are the hygiene measures for the test?
The study staff pays the greatest attention to hygiene on site: all staff wear protective masks for the mouth and nose; the blood collection staff and staff who collect sputum wear gloves. The gloves are of course always changed. The children and all staff repeatedly disinfect their hands during the individual tests.
Do the children miss important teaching time by participating in the study?
We make every effort to disrupt the lessons as little as possible and to adapt to the school's requirements as best we can. The tests themselves do not take long (20 minutes per child), so there is little overall disruption to the lessons.
How does my child benefit from participation?
It can be an important experience to participate as a child in a large university study. By dealing with the content of the study, children will learn important things about the coronavirus. In addition, the child can be proud to have made a contribution to science. Last but not least, the child’s greatest achievement probably lies in having completed the blood withdrawal.
13 August 2025
