Phil Red Cross CamSur starts saliva testing
By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) -Camarines Sur chapter has started its Covid-19 saliva RT-PCR testing on Friday, Apr. 23 with six initial clients at its collection site in Panganiban Drive, Naga City.
PRC’s first six clients booked their appointments via online and were given individual codes. The collected specimens were transported in the afternoon of the same day to the PRC Molecular Lab located in Port Area, Manila. The test results were sent thru email to the clients within 24-48 hours upon receipt of the specimens by the PRC laboratory.
The chapter’s saliva testing is now in full swing after the Department of Health (DOH) approved on Jan. 21 this year the PRC Covid-19 saliva testing as an alternative for RT-PCR swab testing.
“The saliva test, just like the other Covid-19 test is 98 percent accurate. This is also one of the most convenient ways to get tested since this is non-invasive, self-administered and there is no need to place the specimen at any given temperature. This is quick and safe and is much cheaper compared to other RT-PCR tests,” Maria Felisa Rey Badiola, PRC Camarines Sur chapter chief said.
How to book for a saliva test
Those who want to avail of the saliva RT-PCR testing may book by typing https://book.redcross.org at the google search site, click the Saliva Test and follow the instructions. Scroll down, view all locations and look for the box with a “Saliva Test Collection site PRC Camarines Sur Chapter” label if the client will avail of the said test at the PRC CamSur chapter then click “Book Now.”
Click on the Cart icon (upper right side of the screen) and view the items. Click on “Checkout” to proceed. The client should review the order details and input his personal details, then choose a payment method. The payment information should also be clearly stated and should be completed.
The client should also ensure that the billing address that he provided is the same as the registered address, if he is going to use his credit card.
He may check the order confirmation thru an email which will include the date, time, and location of his swab test appointment. A link will also be sent to the e-CIF Form in the payment confirmation email.
The client shall also fill up the e-CIF Form at https://c19.redcross.org.ph/public-ecif before the scheduled appointment as this must be completed before the Swab Test is conducted. Alternatively, access the e-CIF Form at https://c19.redcross.org.ph/public-ecif. He may try another browser (Firefox, Edge) or https://c19.redcross.com.ph/public-ecif if encountering any issues.
The client shall bring the confirmation of their schedule containing their order details, which is sent via email.
An appointment for the RT-PCR (Saliva) test shall be set at the PRC Camarines Sur Chapter, which usually lasts for 10 minutes.
Reminders to those who will be tested
Those with confirmed schedule are advised to arrive 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled time. They are also reminded to follow the basic health protocols such as wearing their face mask and face shield.
It is also important to note that the saliva should not be “contaminated” with any substances such as toothpaste, cigarette and even water. Those who will submit themselves to the tests should not gargle, eat, drink, smoke or vape 30 minutes before the test is conducted.
Wearing of lipstick or liptints is also not allowed prior to the saliva test as chemicals from the said products may hamper the accurate result of the test. The sample should be at least 1ml, and has no discoloration.
Clients shall bring a valid ID and pen.
There is strictly no on-site payment. It should be done in the website.
“To those who want to avail of the PRC Saliva RT-PCR test, you may click the link https://book.redcross.org then follow the steps. We are open from Mondays to Fridays only, from 8:30 am to 12 noon. Payments can be through GCash or Paymaya,” Badiola added. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)