The Philippine government has yet to decide on the use of Cheaper saliva COVID-19 tests, according to PRC.
The Philippine Red Cross on Monday said that the Philippine government has yet to decide on the use of cheaper saliva COVID-19 tests.
According to PRC biomolecular laboratories head Paulyn Ubial, the cheaper COVID-19 test had a “99% detection rate” at the University of Illinois in the United States.
In an interview on ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo, Ubial said that the saliva COVID-19 test was cheaper as it’s half of the price of RT-PCR test if ever.
Ubial also said that it’s easy to collect as a sterile vial was used and there’s no need to train a swabber or a healthworker.
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In addition, Ubial said that the person could collect it themselves and could submit it to the laboratory, adding that saliva COVID-19 test was used for high volume testing such as those of returning workers or students.
Moreover, the Philippine Red Cross submitted its application in October and was still waiting for the approval of the health department’s Health Technology Assessment Council.
“Sinabi po nila sa’min 1 month lang po pero mahigit 2 months na po wala pa ring sagot. Pinagaaralan po nila ‘yung ibang saliva test na ginawa. Meron kasing Yale protocol, ang ginamit namin Illinois protocol,” she said.
Meanwhile, Senator Richard Gordon previously said that the Philippine Red Cross may be forced to suspend COVID-19 testing anew if PhilHealth failed to settle its debt with the PRC.
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