The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is awaiting approval from the Department of Health (DOH) to start the conduct of the saliva tests, a proposed alternative in tracing COVID-19.
The saliva test will offer a cheaper alternative and less painful viral collection procedure compared to the swab test. This developed after the Red Cross bared success in saliva test trials.
"Saliva test recommendation has reached the desk of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for approval," PRC Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said.
Gordon added that the saliva test "would probably cost P2,000 or even less" and that the PRC is working to lower the price of its swab test from the previous P3,500 to around P3,200.
The trials for the mode started last September 18, 2020, at the Palacio de Maynila, already passed requisites following the processing of samples at Red Cross laboratories, in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the University of the Philippines (UP).
Soon after the study protocol passed requisites, the test was forwarded to the UP Research Board for Ethics Review for clearance and approval.
Words by Kyrs Mejares Layout by Kiziah Magbanua
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