DOH: Results from rapid COVID test kits need validation

THE Department of Health on Tuesday said rapid testing kits cannot be used as a sole method to determine if one has the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a televised press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said results of rapid antibody-based tests must still be confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based (RT-PCR) tests, “which remain as the gold standard in correctly diagnosing COVID-19.”

“Rapid antibody-based tests are not stand-alone tests. They need to be validated and confirmed by RT-PCR tests,” she said, adding this means that rapid test kits are not being recommended for the conduct of mass testing.

- Advertisement -spot_img

The RT-PCR method identifies the virus present in a swab taken from a patient’s throat and nose, even without the presence of symptoms of the illness. The rapid test method identifies the presence of antibodies in a patient’s blood after manifesting symptoms of the disease.

Vergeire said rapid test kits cannot be used by private individuals as a do-it-yourself testing tool.

“Only licensed doctors can prescribe and interpret rapid test results. It cannot be brought over-the-counter and do self-testing,” she said.

President Duterte on Monday night approved the procurement of 2 million rapid test kits and 900,000 RT-PCR kits, according to presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez, concurrent chief implementer of the National Task Force COVID-19.

Galvez said the President also approved the procurement of PCR and automated extraction machines and other medical equipment needed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

 EXPANDED TESTING

 Vergeire reminded the public that being qualified for the testing does not mean they can demand to be tested for COVID-19. She said established guidelines must still be followed in the implementation of the expanded COVID-19 testing with priority given to high-risk individuals.

“Upon assessment, the patient will be instructed to proceed to the most accessible health facility for testing. Otherwise, they will be advised to undergo home quarantine or proceed to a community quarantine facility,” she said.

“We want to avoid a surge in individuals lining up in testing centers to get tested as this may result to them getting more exposed to the virus,” she added.

The government began its expanded testing program for COVID-19 on Tuesday, using the 4 categories to determine qualified individuals.

Covered by the initial implementation of the expanded testing are patients or health workers with severe or critical symptoms, have travel history, and have history of exposure to COVID-19 patients (Category 1).

Also covered by the program are patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, have travel history, had contact with COVID-19 cases, and are considered as among the vulnerable population, such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and pregnant (Category 2).

And in the event that testing is expanded further, to be covered are patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, have history of travel, and has had contact with a COVID-19 patient but are not part of the vulnerable population (Category 3).

Also to be covered at a later stage are patients or healthcare workers who are asymptomatic but have history of travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient (Category 4).

 TRACING

 Galvez said the RITM tests some 3,000 persons a day, and government targets to test 5,000 to 8,000 daily.

He also said the country is looking for some 15,000 people “backlog” for possible COVID-19 infection.

- Advertisement -spot_img

Galvez, in an interview by radio dzMM, said of the 15,000 potential COVID-19 “suspects,” about 5,000 to 8,000 are in Manila which is the epicenter of the COVID-19 in the country.

“Mayroon kaming 15,000 na hinahanap, iyun talaga ang backlog natin in real sense. Sa 15,000 more or less 5,000 to 8,000 ang nasa Manila (“We are looking for 15,000, that is the backlog in the real sense. Of the 15,000. more or less 5,000 to 8,000 are in Manila),” he said

He also said based on government estimates, there may even be some 200,000 to 300,00 undetected COVID-19 cases nationwide, which is why it is urgent for government to conduct aggressive and massive testing and contact tracing.

The Department of Health defines a COVID-19 “suspect” as someone who has symptoms of the respiratory disease and history of travel or residence in a hot spot of the disease or exposure to a confirmed or probable carrier.

Galvez also said RITM is doing its best to accredit 15 more testing centers to test more people.

Galvez said authorities have also intensified efforts to trace people who have been exposed to people found positive for COVID-19. — With Victor Reyes and Jocelyn Montemayor

Author

Share post: