PRC started offering COVID-19 testing using saliva samples.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Molecular Laboratory head Dr. Paulyn Ubial on Monday said that PRC laboratories were open to conduct COVID-19 tests using saliva samples.
Ubial said in an interview on GMA Network’s Unang Hirit that the COVID-19 test can be availed of via online booking or walk-in service.
GMA News Online reported that those interested may book a slot through the PRC website.
READ ALSO: PRC Begins Pilot Run Of Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing
Ubial also said that it’s available at PRC molecular laboratories in Mandaluyong near Pinatubo St. and in the Port Area in Manila.
Ubial’s statement came after Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Saturday said that the Department of Health (DOH) already approved the use of saliva as an alternative sample in COVID-19 tests in PRC laboratories.
However, Vergeire noted that the Department of Health will wait for the validation test results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) before allowing saliva test in other laboratories in the Philippines.
READ ALSO: Experts In PH To Study If Saliva-Based COVID-19 Testing Can Be Used
Ubial said that the organization’s latest study on the new method of testing for COVID-19 diagnosis yielded 98 percent accuracy.
Running a test on a sample would take 3-4 hours and the process, however, would take longer with more samples in line.
“Hindi po kami makaka-promise na agad-agad kasi depende sa volume. Pero ang commitment po ng Red Cross, less than 24 hours,” Ubial said.
Ubial advised those who would undergo the test to prevent drinking, eating, gargling, smoking, and brushing teeth 30 minutes before the collection of saliva.
According to Ubial, the Philippine Red Cross charged PHP 2,000 for the COVID-19 test using saliva specimens.
Ubial added that it wasn’t possible to charge PhilHealth because PhilHealth hasn’t yet produced a benefit package at the time being.
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