(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 RT-PCR Saliva Test in Metro Manila (as of March 18):
CAMANAVA
Philippine Red Cross - Caloocan Chapter
114 7th Avenue East, Grace Park, Caloocan City
Open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 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.
Philippine Red Cross - Malabon City Chapter
Governor Pascual Avenue, Potrero, Malabon City
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robinsons Town Mall Malabon
Governor Pascual Avenue corner Crispin Street, Potrero, Malabon City
Drive-thru only
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Quezon City
Robinsons Novaliches
Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
Drive-thru only
Open from Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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.
Ayala Malls Cloverleaf
A. Bonifacio Avenue, Balingasa, Quezon City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TriNoma (Valet Area near Mindanao Lobby)
EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SM City Fairview (Open Parking H)
Belfast Avenue, Greater Lagro, Quezon City
Drive-thru only
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Philippine Red Cross - Quezon City Chapter
55 Malakas Street, Pinyahan, Quezon City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Marikina
Philippine Red Cross Headquarters - Logistics and Multipurpose Center
Apo Street corner Pinatubo Street, Barangka 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.
Ayala Malls Feliz
Marcos Highway, Dela Paz, Pasig City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open from Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 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.
SM City Marikina
Marcos Highway, Kalumpang, Marikina City
Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 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.
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.
Philippine Red Cross - Manila Chapter
Gen. Luna St. corner Victoria St., Intramuros, Manila
Open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 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.
SM City Sucat
Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Dionisio, Parañaque City
Open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ayala Malls South Park
National Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Drive-thru and on-site
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
UPDATED (April 28, 2021): This list has been updated to add and remove collection sites based on Philippine Red Cross' website.
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