Saliva Test in Bacolod: Where and How to Avail

Earlier this year In the final week of January, the Department of Health (DOH) approved Philippine Red Cross’s (PRC) saliva-based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as an alternative screening option for detecting COVID-19. Compared to the nasal swab test which requires swabs from patients’ nostrils, a saliva test is less invasive as it only requires a patient to spit into a vial.

Following the approval of the DOH, the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter started offering the saliva test in Bacolod last February 2. As an alternative to taking a swab test in Bacolod, the saliva test offered by the PRC is a cheaper but still accurate option.Keep reading to see more details on how to get a saliva test in Bacolod.

Located on 10th Lacson Street, the laboratory can conduct 1,440 saliva RT-PCR tests a day. According to PRC Governor Jay Jalandoni, the laboratory owns two machines that can each conduct 90 tests every three hours.

The standard cost of a saliva test is PhP2,000, while swab test prices in Bacolod and elsewhere are PhP3,800. This cheaper test has an accuracy rate of 98.23 percent, according to PRC Lead Researcher Michael Tee. While swab test results in Bacolod take around 24 hours to be released, results of saliva tests take only 3 to 4 hours. Both the saliva and nasal swab test undergo the PCR technique, which is still considered as the gold standard for detecting the virus. Currently, other countries like the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan have approved the saliva test as well.

Negrosanons and Bacolodnons who want to avail of the saliva test must book an appointment online (https://book.redcross.org.ph/index.php/product/bacolod-saliva-test/). PRC Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter reminds patients to bring and follow these health protocols and guidelines during the appointment:

• Patients need to bring their confirmation of schedule, which will be sent to their email.

• They need to fill out the e-CIF form (https://c19.redcross.org.ph/public-ecif) before they arrive at the laboratory.

• They also have to bring one valid ID and a pen, and wear a mask and face shield during their appointment as part of safety protocols.

• Patients are not allowed to eat, drink, gargle, or smoke 30 minutes before taking the saliva test.

As COVID-19 in Bacolod persists, it is essential to observe minimum health standards and follow COVID-19 guidelines

Visit Yoorekka for more updates, health and safety protocols, and even information on where to get a swab test near Bacolod!