The onset of the global pandemic in the Philippines generated fear and panic around the country which led to the outburst of lockdowns in different cities and provinces. In order to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading, mass testing then became one of the immediate courses of action that the Philippine government took in hopes of suppressing the continuously increasing cases.
International Sanitization and Protection Suppliers (ISPS), in partnership with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), spearheaded the construction and on going sanitization of the 7 largest COVID testing and quarantine centers in the country namely: Manila (Palacio De Maynila), Bulacan (Philippine Arena), Pasay (MOA Arena), and Taguig (Enderun Colleges and Lakeshore Drive Thru Facility), Amoreto Sports Complex and Pateros Swabbing center.
As the country is still in various stages of quarantine periods, staying indoors is required depending on the location and its circumstances. However, it is still highly encouraged to do so in the “new normal.” With that situation in mind, ISPS innovated a way on how you can get tested even at the comfort of your own home.
We now offer mobile testing services that are suitable for private companies, businesses, organizations, and local government units all over the Philippines. These testing services include different COVID testing methods such as Rapid Antibody, Rapid Antigen, and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing.
For a more in-depth read about the different kinds of COVID testing methods, you can check the link right here.
Rapid Antibody Testing
This particular kind of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) relies on identifying the immune response of an individual which is important for establishing who has had the virus especially because many people infected seem to show no symptoms (asymptomatic carriers). In addition to that, antibody tests can help confirm hospital discharge as well.
How is the procedure done?
Also known as serology testing, the antibody test is done by a medical professional by finger pricking or drawing blood from a vein in your arm to get a sample for examination.
It looks for two types of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2:
IgM antibodies, which happen in early infection
IgG antibodies, which are more likely to show up later
Advantages:
Rapid antibody test kits yield faster results – 5 to 15 minutes – compared to other testing methods, making it the most time-efficient alternative
They are the most affordable type of approved COVID-19 tests
They are less invasive as it requires a simple prick on the finger
Rapid Antigen Testing
Antigen tests, another kind of RDT, detect viral proteins called antigens which are present in the COVID-19 virus. The antigens detected are identified only when the virus is actively replicating. This is why such tests are best used to identify currently infected people. It is usually done upon request or following a positive antibody test.
How is the procedure done?
The process of this rapid test also uses nasal or throat swabs to get a fluid sample and can produce results in just an hour or less. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that if the target antigen is present in sufficient concentrations in the sample, it will bind to specific antibodies fixed to a paper strip enclosed in a plastic casing and generate a visually detectable signal, typically within 30 minutes. The antigen(s) detected are expressed only when the virus is actively replicating therefore such tests are best used to identify currently infected people.
Advantages:
Highly accurate results
Faster and cheaper than molecular tests
Certificate provided can be used for domestic travel
RT-PCR Testing
Molecular testing is also known as real time PCR nasopharyngeal test. It is a diagnostic test that uses a nasal or throat swab which collects samples of cells and fluids from your respiratory system to detect the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using a laboratory technique called polymerase chain reaction.
How is the procedure done?
A doctor or health care professional inserts a 6-inch long nasal swab (like a long Q-tip) into the cavity between the nose and mouth (nasopharyngeal swab) for 15 seconds and rotates it several times. This may somewhat be uncomfortable since the body is not used to having an object inserted in that area. It may activate the lacrimal reflex (discharge of tears) and may trigger a gag reflex since the swab will touch the back of the throat
The process is then repeated on the other side of the nose to make sure enough material is collected for the test.
The sample gets sealed in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis
Although it’s not considered the best way to get a good sample, a saliva test may be done if discomfort is an issue with a nose or throat swab. You spit into a tube several times to provide a sample of your saliva for testing. The tube is sealed before being sent to a lab for analysis
Advantages:
Most familiar COVID testing technique and more widely used
100% accuracy when performed correctly
No mobilization fee within Metro Manila
Lowest cost of mobile testing within Luzon
Available (depending on availability) for 24 hour servicing
Superior speed, sensitivity of 93.33%, and specificity of 100%
Certificate provided can be used for international travel, work, etc.
To know what to do if you have a positive case in your community, read this.
Home Testing Service Inclusions:
1. Includes medical personnel adequate to administer requested number of tests based on number of tests, location, and number of service dates.
2. Includes doctor fees for medical prescription for test, oversight of testing service, and medical certificate indicating result of administered test.
3. Includes personnel allocation encoding service of necessary details based on number of tests, location, and number of service dates.
4. Includes sanitization of testing area, and sanitization officer on standby during duration of testing service.
5. Includes logistical coordination, setup, and relevant semi-permanent structures, based on number of tests, location, and number of service dates.
6. Includes medical consumables, and test kits.
No need to take the risk of going out for COVID testing! Get tested in a safer and convenient environment with ISPS’ home testing services. It is ✅ affordable, ✅ effective, and ✅ suitable for your stay-at-home situation.
Mass testing is the cornerstone of our national response to COVID-19. Our most recent milestone was the grand opening of our all-new testing facility in Pampanga, Central Luzon. We continue to boost mass testing efforts to hopefully #FlattenTheCurve and beat the coronavirus.
ISPS also offers cost-efficient rapid testing kits as COVID-19 test packages, customizable on-site and off-site COVID testing services, and a wide range of premium disinfectant products and sanitation equipment that can be used to combat COVID-19.
Contact us today or visit our Facebook for more information:
Phone: 0917 861 3850
Email: info@internationalsps.com
Visit our Facebook page to see our clients and operations all over the Philippines:
We also have a Facebook page for our testing clinic in Angeles, Pampanga:
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