DOST chief Fortunato de la Peña said separately that they will fund the research on saliva-based testing.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — Experts in the Philippines will study if the saliva-based testing can be used to detect coronavirus infection, an official from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development said Saturday.
“Meron na pong mga aprubadong pag-aaral na isasagawa upang malaman kung ito’y talagang magagamit sa Pilipinas o hindi,” Dr. Jaime Montoya, DOST-PCHRD executive director, told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend.
[Translation: We have approved studies to find out whether or not this testing method could be used in the Philippines.]
“Ito palang pag-aaral na ito ay gagawin ng RITM sa ilang mga lugar at siyudad dito sa Kamaynilaan na under sa zone ng RITM,” Montoya added.
[Translation: This study will be conducted by RITM in certain areas in Manila that are under RITM’s zone.]
The saliva-based testing is seen as a “more convenient” option to diagnose COVID-19. The method allows people to collect their own samples with less discomfort unlike the standard nasopharyngeal swab, the official explained.
The collection method could also minimize the exposure of healthcare workers to the virus, he said.
Earlier this month, researchers from the Yale School of Public Health created the saliva-based laboratory diagnostic tool called SalivaDirect, which received emergency use authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The SalivaDirect test does not require a specific swab collection device. It can also be used with reagents from multiple vendors.
