Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) — Rapid antibody tests may not give accurate results on whether a patient has coronavirus disease or not, the Department of Health cautioned, after the President gave the order to purchase the kits.
“Ang paggamit ng rapid antibody tests ay maaaring magresulta sa false negative results. Ang ibig pong sabihin nito ay kahit negative lumabas sa resulta sa rapid test kit maaaring positibo pa rin ang pasyente sa COVID-19,” said Ma. Rosario Vergeire, Health Spokesperson during agency’s daily online briefing.
[Translation: Using rapid antibody test kits may result in false negative results. This means that even if the result is negative a patient may actually be positive with COVID-19.]
Vergeire said that should these tests be used, patients will have to undergo a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction test afterwards. The rapid tests are also not recommended for mass testing and self-testing, she added.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he ordered to purchase rapid test kits despite the product still lacking approval from the country’s Food and Drug Administration.
The DOH warned that products without FDA approval may bring harm to the user. The agency added that once the rapid test kits arrive only licensed medical professionals should administer them and interpret their results.
“Tanging mga lisensyadong doktor lang ang maaaring magriseta o maginterpret nitong rapid test kits. Hindi po ito pwedeng bilhin over the counter,” said Vergeire.
[Translation: Only licensed doctors can prescribe or interpret the rapid test kits. Buying over the counter is not allowed.]
Those who wish to get tested for COVID-19 must first consult with a licensed doctor, DOH reminded, and avail of the agency’s telemedical consultation. The consulting doctor will then recommend the patient to a testing facility if needed.
Residents in Metro Manila can seek a telemedical consultation through (02) 8424-1724 or (02) 7798-8000 while those outside the region may reach the service via 1555 894-COVID hotlines.
