Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29) — The Department of Health on Friday said the anal COVID-19 swab tests rolled out in China is too inconvenient to be used in the Philippines, but this option to detect the virus could eventually be looked into.
“Kung kami ang tatanungin sa DOH, kung talagang kakailangan at makikita na with sufficient evidence na talagang ito ay makakapag-yield ng accurate results also, pagiisipan pong maigi ng gobyerno iyan because as we say, it is really inconvenient for both the individuals and healthcare workers,” Health Department spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
[Translation: For the DOH, if it’s necessary and we see sufficient evident that it will produce accurate results, the government will think about it because it is really inconvenient for both the individual and the healthcare worker.]
The official added that if allowed, the test kits need to undergo registration.
Several cities in China have recently started using invasive rectal swabs on individuals considered to be at high risk of COVID-19. State broadcaster CCTV said this testing method was used on residents in areas with coronavirus cases and those staying in quarantine facilities.
Li Tongzeng, a senior doctor from Beijing’s Youan hospital, told CCTV that anal swabs have an increased detection rate because the virus stays longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract so it is more effective compared to nose or throat swab tests.
Forbes reported that the test involves inserting a cotton swab that is 1-2 inches long into the rectum. The sample collected will be tested.
