Red Cross eyes saliva tests by Feb. 1

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it was targeting a nationwide roll out of the saliva reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test by Feb. 1 and stressed that testing was still vital amid the pandemic even when the national government’s inoculation program begins.

The saliva RT-PCR test, which the PRC said was more affordable and bearable than the nasopharyngeal swab test, was approved by the Department of Health (DOH) last week as an alternative testing method for the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19), said Sen. Richard Gordon, PRC chair and CEO.

On Monday, the PRC officially launched the saliva RT-PCR test that costs P2,000–much cheaper than the nasal swab test priced at P3,800–and did not require medical personnel to wear personal protective equipment, as it was a “less invasive” procedure.

Those who want to undergo the new method would only have to collect 1.5 to 2 milliliters of their saliva through a funnel and container provided at testing facilities.

As of today, the PRC’s machines in its Manila and Mandaluyong offices could be used for the saliva test, which would be processed through the same PCR machines used for swab tests.

According to Gordon, one out of every 100 saliva tests must be counterchecked through a swab test to ensure accuracy, which was required of the PRC by the national government. Saliva tests may be processed within three to 10 hours, he said.