You Can Now Take a Saliva Test in Subic Bay, Here’s How

Healthcare systems are continuously developing reliable, affordable, and accessible testing for COVID-19. One of these is the saliva RT-PCR test which has made its way to Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). It’s a cheaper and more comfortable way of getting screened and tested for the virus, and it is also said to be safer than other tests for both patients and medical workers.

Now that the saliva test in Subic Bay is finally available, those who wish to take it for medical, travel, and work purposes may do so. If you’re one of the people who are in need of a saliva test in Subic Bay, read below and find out what you need to know about it and how you can avail one.

Residents do not have to settle for getting a swab test near Subic as the COVID-19 saliva test is now available at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This was made possible under the joint project of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Philippine Red Cross - Olongapo Chapter (PRC). The PRC opened a saliva collection facility at the PRC-SBMA COVID-19 Testing Center located near Subic Bay Freeport’s main gate last February 8, 2021. Currently, there are two booths dedicated to saliva testing at the said facility.

SBMA Chairman and President Wilma Eisma added that the saliva RT-PCR test is the same as the nasopharyngeal swab test in terms of efficacy. It is also less painful, much more affordable, and safer because there is less risk between the patients and medical workers collecting the samples. The saliva test requires patients to spit through a tube into a small specimen collector container. About 1 to 2ML of saliva is needed for testing.

Compared to swab test prices in Subic, the saliva test is much cheaper. Those who wish to take the saliva test must deposit a payment of PhP2,000 per head to the Philippine Red Cross’s Security Bank account number 0132062464009 at Security Bank - Mandaluyong EDSA. Modes of payment are over the counter, online bank transfer, GCash, and PayMaya. Proof of payment along with the details of the person who wishes to be tested must be emailed to saliva.olongapo@redcross.org.ph under the subject “SALIVA TEST PAYMENT - SUBIC.” Note that prcsalivatest@redcross.org.ph must be copied in the email.

The following details must be in the email:

• Proof of payment (for bank deposits, deposit slip must be scanned; for online bank transfer, screenshot including the whole transaction must be attached);

• Name of person for testing

• Residential Address

• Mobile number

• Purpose for testing (medical, employment requirement, travel, etc.)

Afterwards, the patient must wait for an acknowledgement of payment from prcsalivatest@redcross.org.ph and confirmation of schedule from saliva.olongapo@redcross.org.ph. He or she will also be given a link to the Electronic Client Information Form (E-CIF), which must be filled out to get a retrieval code. The retrieval code will be presented on the day of the saliva test. On the day of their appointment, patients must also bring a valid ID and hard copy of proof of payment for verification.

The PRC-SBMA COVID-19 Testing Center is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For more information, they can be reached via landline (047) 250-0244 (SBMA Swab Facility) or mobile 0961-903-9611 (PRC Subic Molecular Laboratory).

With this new development, it is expected that the public will be able to get saliva and swab test results in Subic more conveniently.

Need to find out where you can have swab testing near Subic? Go to Yoorekka to see laboratories in Subic and other COVID-19 testing centers where you can get tested.