Red Cross in Isabela begins saliva testing

The Philippine Red Cross Isabela Chapter has already started saliva testing at its molecular laboratory in Barangay Alibagu, Ilagan City.

Last Friday, pilot testing was conducted in which 56 people, including the board of directors, molecular laboratory staff, employees of the PRC Isabela Chapter, and volunteers underwent testing.

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According to PRC Isabela Chapter Administrator Stephany Cabrera, the results of the 78 who first underwent saliva testing were negative for COVID-19.

“Para lang ma-balance natin kung talagang how effective it is, kaya sa every 100 na nako-collect natin, nagko-collect din tayo ng random na swab test para mai-compare natin,” said Cabrera.

On Wednesday, about 86 people participated in saliva testing. The turnaround time or time to wait before the result is released is usually 24 to 48 hours.

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The molecular lab can collect up to 1,000 saliva samples per day, Cabrera added.

Red Cross in Isabela begins saliva testing

Apart from saliva testing, the PRC Isabela Chapter also accepts swab testing.

“Actually, ang nire-request natin in a month ay at least 10,000 kits for both swab saka saliva test. Magkaibang test kit ang gamit natin sa saliva at swab. Actually, ‘yung swab testing hindi ka siguro makapaniwala noong January alone, naka-10,000 samples tayo sa dami ng nagpapatest,” said Cabrera.

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Saliva testing costs P2,000, so it is said to be cheaper compared to the RT-PCR test, but equally accurate because the method of testing is the same.

“Kung iko-compare ko para lang siyang antigen test… which is hindi naman siya confirmatory, makukuha agad ‘yung result ng magpapa-test, which naririnig ko nagre-range ng P1,700. So, kung para sa akin mas gugustuhin ko na lang na magpa-saliva testing tutal confirmatory test siya at RT-PCR pa rin naman ginagamit natin,” said Cabrera.

Saliva testing is also more comfortable for clients because it is non-invasive or it is not necessary to insert anything into the human body just to get a sample.

One to two 2 milliliters of saliva would be collected. Those who would undergo testing should not eat, drink, gargle, or smoke for 30 minutes before giving saliva. For women, it is also forbidden to wear lipstick when testing.