DOH OKs to Saliva PCR Test for COVID-19 by RITM-Certified Laboratories
SALIVA PCR TEST – The Department of Health (DOH) approved the saliva PCR test for COVID-19 under certain conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still present in the Philippines. In fact, the country is on a tighter battle now as the total cases faces a spike. Compared to last year’s daily count, the new cases of the disease recorded daily is way higher now.
The whole National Capital Region (NCR) was placed by the national government under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) since March 29. It is in the pursuit to curb the spread of the disease. The provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are also under ECQ now.
The authorities are urging the public to observe the proper health protocols to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Everyone must wear a face mask and practice social distancing when going outdoors. Also, the people are encouraged to just stay at home if not for very essential purposes.
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![DOH Saliva PCR Test](https://philnews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DOH-Saliva-PCR-Test.jpg)
Several authorities have previously called for the increase of the COVID-19 testing in the country and the boosting of the contact tracing. Currently, the vaccination drive is ongoing.
Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) gave its approval to saliva PCR test for COVID-19. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, there are conditions including the requirement that only COVID-19 laboratories certified by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) may perform it.
Furthermore, based on the report, the point-of-care clinics and other specimen-collecting facilities may perform the collection of saliva but the collector must have “undergone training from the referral licensed COVID-19 laboratory certified to perform saliva testing”.
Moreover, only the test kits validated by the RITM are allowed and it must be 95% sensitive to detect COVID-19 and 99% specific in identifying those that are negative for the virus. It is to make sure that the tests won’t lead in too many false positives or false negatives.
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