More than 63 individuals have availed the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Zamboanga City Chapter saliva test to test for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) after they started offering the said test last February 8.
Joseline Fernandez, OIC PRC Zamboanga City chapter administrator told RPN DXXX Zamboanga, these individuals were part of the contact tracing coming from Zamboanga City, Â Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur.
For the test to be done Individuals would have to spit inside a tube that is sealed and documented for results. They should not eat, drink, gargle, smoke, or vape 30 minutes before the test. Then wait for three to four hours for the result.
This is non invasive compared to the swab test where a cotton bud will have to be inserted in your nose to get the specimen.
The fee for the saliva test is cheaper at P2,000 compared to the swab test priced at P3,800 though both test are using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test which is the gold standard for Covid-19 testing.
Fernandez also said, they are also waiting for further guidelines so that one day, travellers can also use this type of test.
As of February 8, the city already have 4,058 confirmed cases of Covid 19. For the recoveries 3,743, active cases 132, and deaths 183. (R.G. A A. Go)
