Saliva RT-PCR Test Now Available In Laguna

Lagunenses can now avail of the Red Cross’ saliva RT-PCR test for COVID-19, the provincial government of Laguna announced Monday.

In a Facebook post, Laguna provincial information officer Christopher Sanji said the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) Laguna chapter is now ready to accept saliva testing at its offices in Santa Cruz starting February 15.

The PRC saliva RT-PCR test uses the same system as that used with the nasopharyngeal swab samples, the only difference being the method of collection of the sample specimen.

Instead of having a swab inserted into one’s nostrils and throat, one may now simply deposit 1.5 ml. to 2 ml. of saliva through a straw into a container.

Mechanics

In his post, Sanji advised individuals wishing to avail of the saliva test to make an appointment first at the PRC office before sending their test samples.

After making an appointment, patients must deposit their payment of P2,000 to the Philippine Red Cross’ Metrobank account and email their deposit slip, along with a screenshot of the retrieval code from the PRC’s Electronic Case Investigation Form (eCIF), to prcsalivatest@redcross.org.ph; batangas.mlab@redcross.org.ph; and prclagunasalivatest@gmail.com.

Patients are advised to bring an original ID, deposit slip and ballpens on the day of collection. Smoking, drinking, eating and mouthwashing are not allowed 30 minutes before collection of saliva samples.

Walk-in patients are also not allowed.

For more information, patients may call the PRC-Laguna chapter at the following numbers: (049)501-1114; 0917-322-4909; 0939-520-7898; and 0917-524-4909. (JV)