(SPOT.ph) Scientists and health experts suggest that COVID-19 may actually be here to stay—much like the common cold, influenza, dengue, and other endemic viruses. And until herd immunity kicks in, vaccination is rolled out at a 100% rate, or a miracle happens, we have to get used to a lot of things including getting tested for COVID-19 regularly.
The Department of Health on January 21 gave the Philippine Red Cross the go signal to start conducting saliva collection as an alternative specimen for the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Compared to the current nasopharyngeal or throat swab test, it is cheaper, less invasive (no poking of nostrils necessary), and allows self-collection.
As of writing, the saliva-based test can be used as a travel requirement for those heading to Bohol and Siargao for leisure. Other airports like New Bacolod-Silay International Airport have also accepted saliva-based testing as an alternative requirement for arriving locally stranded individuals. Philippine Red Cross (PRC) President and Senator Richard Gordon said in an ANC interview on January 26 that this can also be used by aspiring lawyers taking the bar exams, students who might soon return to face-to-face classes, and uniformed personnel.
According to PRC lead researcher Michael Tee, the saliva-based testing's accuracy rate is at 98.23 percent. The specimen is tested through the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which is still considered the gold standard for identifying specific pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 (a.k.a. virus causing COVID-19) in a sample (a.k.a. your saliva).
To take a saliva-based RT-PCR test, you can book your preferred schedule through Philippine Red Cross’ website and just choose one of the many designated saliva collection sites. Just “Add to Cart!” your appointment; pay P2,000 through GCash, GrabPay, or other modes of online payment; and wait for your order confirmation. Fill out the e-CIF form before your appointment and you’re good to go.
The whole process of specimen collection takes about 10 minutes, but individuals are advised to be at the appointment venue at least 15 minutes before their schedule. Eating, drinking, gargling, smoking, or vaping 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment is prohibited as this may interfere with the sample’s content. It’s also best to not wear lipstick when heading to your appointment. Turnaround time is from six to 12 hours with results sent to you via e-mail.
Also read:
Nose Swabs, PCRs + What Exactly Happens During a COVID-19 Test
10 Home-Service COVID-19 Tests You Can Get in Manila
Here’s where to get an RT-PCR saliva test in Metro Manila:
North
Araneta City Bus Port
General Romulo Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City (in front of Ali Mall)
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross Valenzuela Chapter
ALERT Centre Compound, McArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SM Fairview (Open Parking H)
Belfast Avenue, Greater Lagro, Quezon City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Marikina
Philippine Red Cross Headquarters - Logistics and Multipurpose Center
Apo Street corner Pinatubo Street, Barangay Ilaya, Mandaluyong City
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter - Mandaluyong Branch
661B Lourdes 1 Building, Boni Avenue, Plainview, Mandaluyong City
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SM Megamall (Bus Bay)
Building A, EDSA, Mandaluyong CIty
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter - San Juan Branch
FilOil Flying V Arena Centre, San Juan City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter - Building 611
Shaw Boulevard, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robinsons Metro East
14 Marikina-Infanta Highway, Marikina City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Makati and Taguig
Ayala Malls Circuit (The Deck)
Hippodromo Street, Carmona, Makati City
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jaime Velasquez Park
Barangay Bel-Air, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Market! Market! (3/F Parking)
Bonifacio Global City
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Manila City
Philippine Red Cross - Port Area Molecular Laboratory
2/F Old DSG Office, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila City
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robinsons Place Manila (6/F Parking)
Adriatico Street corner Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
South
SM Mall of Asia (5 Ecom Open Parking)
Pacific Drive corner Palm Coast Avenue, Pasay City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter - Parañaque City Branch
8208 Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, Parañaque City
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SM Southmall (North West Front Parking)
Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Source: Spot PH
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