Rapid COVID tests across Washoe County high schools could impact hundreds of students and athletes.

2 News got an inside look at how it's being done as students were called to the gym, Tuesday afternoon.

Each boy and girl from Sparks High School's varsity basketball team lined up along an unusual courtside, the hallway of a rapid COVID test.

"Some of them are nervous. Others are like, ‘I've done this before, I'm used to it,’” said Samantha Nelson, a 12th grader who just received her test.

There are two tests being given by Northshore Clinical Labs. 

One is a test that can take 24 hours. 

The other can give results almost immediately.

This could mean students who have been exposed to the virus could return to school immediately if they test negative instead of waiting 10 days for test results to return.

"It's better to know [if] I can play this game this weekend or not,” Nelson added.

"Whatever it takes for me to play and be in my element,” said 11th grader, Orando Todd.

Although most students here aren't worried about the Omicron variant, assistant principal David Murdock says he won't take any chances.

"We just want our numbers to go down. So, if there's something else, I'm not sure what's gonna stop that. If it's vaccinations,” questioned Murdock.

For too long, it's been a game of ‘ifs’ and ‘who knows what’ for students.

"It’s kinda nerve wracking to know if I get positive we can't play this next game [or] my whole team is out,” Nelson added.

"It’ll keep it much safer for us during our games [and] allow fans to come and watch,” Orando added.

For some like Edgar Ramos, getting tested is more than just proof of result, it is proof that one is a team player.

“It makes me kind of happy because it shows the effort that they're putting for me to be able to play. I also gotta put my effort in,” the 11th grader told 2 News.

Testing is offered from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, twice a week for student athletes and their staff.

From 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, it is open to all WCSD students, staff, and their family, but only if they are symptomatic or had close contact with somebody who has COVID.