The Philippines continues to battle rigorously with the pandemic as the number of active COVID-19 cases is getting higher each day. Hence, the need to amplify testing efforts all around the country is showcased through the government’s implementation of less expensive but highly effective testing alternatives.
On April 06, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) published a press release about Department Memorandum (DM) No. 2021-0161, which contained guidelines on the use and administration of saliva-based RT-PCR testing.
The International Sanitization and Protection Suppliers (ISPS) now includes affordable saliva RT-PCR to its list of COVID-19 testing methods available for booking in the clinic or in mobile operations; all tests are conducted by our medical personnel.
What is Saliva RT-PCR Testing?
Saliva reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or saliva-based RT-PCR is a “cheaper, faster, and non-invasive test for COVID-19.” This testing method is PCR-based and it is already known that PCR is considered the golden standard for COVID-19 testing, even according to the World Health Organization.
DOH also maintains that nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens remain as the standard specimen for the diagnosis of COVID-19 through RT-PCR testing. Such testing can detect genetic material from a specific organism such as a virus, which in today’s case is the SARS-CoV-2, and it detects the presence of a virus in real time.
How accurate is it?
A 2021 study (Buban et al., 2021, p.1) had key findings for RT-PCR saliva specimens based on a meta-analysis of 51 studies, which showed an overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95% CI 0.80, 0.88) and 96% (95% CI 0.94, 0.98) respectively.
Preparation:
Saliva wil be collected with the assistance of a trained ISPS specimen collector.
Before collection, clean hands using alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water and don appropriate PPE.
Ensure all collection materials are labelled with the correct identifying information.
No food, no drink, and no mouthwash at least 30 minutes before saliva collection.
Procedures on collection of saliva specimen:
Complete the medical form that will be provided then begin pooling saliva in the mouth. Saliva production can be stimulated by thinking about food (favorite food, upcoming meals, etc.) or about the saliva collection itself. Bring up saliva from the back of the throat.
Remove the lid of the collection container and gently expel saliva into the container until at least 5ml has been collected. (if there’s noticeable excess bubbles, cap the tube and tap down then ask the patient to collect more saliva to ensure optimal saliva volume). The whole process will be observed by the assigned specimen collector to ensure the source of the specimen.
Close the tube and tightly secure the cap.
Submit the container to the ISPS collection officer. The collection officer will label the tube with the patient's name, date, and time of collection.
The container will be wrapped with an absorbent pad and sealed in a plastic resealable bag labelled with the patient’s name and date of birth. It will be placed in an ice box to maintain ideal storage conditions for the sample.
The sample will be transferred to the laboratory for processing and the patient’s result will be provided via email.
ISPS is the leading private testing facility in the Philippines, providing over 4,000 tests per week to private and corporate companies in different industries. Getting tested is important to know your health status and in doing so, you are capable of protecting yourself and those around you, whether you are asymptomatic or not.
Ready to book? Fill out this form so we can schedule an appointment for you or you can personally visit our clinic in Manila located at 273 Katipunan Ave., Corner Xavierville Ave., 1105 Quezon City or at our testing site in Central Luzon located at FG Jocson Building, 1st Street, Balibago Angeles City.
Contact us today or visit our Facebook for more information:
Phone: 0917 305 8961
Email: info@internationalsps.com
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