JUST IN: Saliva RT-PCR test for Covid opens drive-thru collection

The Philippine Red Cross said the collection process is quicker and safer at the drive-thru because people do not need to get off their vehicles and risk exposure to others who are taking the test. Photo from PRC

The Saliva sample collection for Covid-19 testing administered by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has opened drive-thru sites at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.

The Saliva Test is offered as a cheaper and faster alternative to the Nose Swab Test. Both tests use the gold standard of coronavirus screening, the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test done at the PRC molecular laboratories.

The PRC started offering its Saliva Test in late January 2021 after receiving the approval of the Department of Health following a University of the Philippines Manila-led pilot study that yielded results of the 98% accuracy of the Saliva Test.

The PRC Saliva Test costs PHP 2,000 and takes 10 minutes. Processing time takes 3 to 4 hours. The Saliva test sample collection was first offered at the PRC’s Mandaluyong headquarters and the Port Area laboratory.

The PRC announced on February 3, 2021, the opening of the additional two collection sites a day after it inked an agreement with the SM Supermalls to offer the service.

The Red Cross organization said the collection process is quicker and safer at the drive-thru because people do not need to get off their vehicles and risk exposure to others who are taking the test.

The Red Cross saliva collection units can be found at SM Megamall (Mega A bus bay and EDSA Mandaluyong) and at the SM Mall of Asia (5 Ecom Open Parking in Mall of Asia, Pasay City). Collection sites are open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

PRC also announced that the Saliva RT-PCR test will be brought to schools, factories, and offices to help make it possible for students to have face-to-face classes and for workers to return to the jobs they lost due to the pandemic restrictions.

To schedule your saliva collection, go to the PRC site: book.redcross1158.com.

Here is a list of COVID-19 Testing Labs Near You.

What to do when you are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the Philippines.

SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the Philippine Red Cross for making the Saliva sample collection for the RT-PCR Covid test available at the SM Supermalls’ drive-thru sites.

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The post JUST IN: Saliva RT-PCR test for Covid opens drive-thru collection appeared first on Good News Pilipinas.

Source: Good News Pilipinas