Antigen test kits (File photo by NIñO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said that it does not recommend the use of antigen tests when screening employees for COVID-19 in the workplace.
While antigen tests are still testing tools to confirm COVID-19 cases, it is more accurate in determining cases of people who are exhibiting symptoms, explained DOH Officer-in-charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire in a media forum.
“Ang ating paalala sa ating mga private sector at sa lahat po, na ang antigen test po ay nagagamit at nagiging accurate kapag ang tao ay may sintomas. Hindi po natin siya nirerekomenda na magamit for screening asymptomatics, kasi nasasayang po ang mga resources… Na mi-mislead tayo sa ating pong mga ginagawang protocols at pag ma-manage sa ating mga pasyente,” said Vergeire.
(We remind the private sector and everyone else that the antigen test is used and is more accurate if the person has symptoms. We do not recommend using it for asymptomatic cases, because it is a waste of resources. We can also be misled when we make protocols and manage our patients).
The DOH explained that cases can further spread in someone getting a false negative and joining other employees in the workplace. Vergeire advised that health screenings are already enough, stressing the importance of monitoring employees.
“Do your health screening. Do your surveillance. Have a safety officer monitor your employees. I think that’s the best and most efficient para po sa ating lahat ngayon (for everyone right now),” Vergeire said.