DOH not yet ready to use rapid COVID-19 tests amid accuracy concerns

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that the Department of Health (DOH) is not yet ready to use rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for COVID-19 due to concerns about their accuracy and potential for false negatives.

Duque expressed confidence in the current testing procedure at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), which yields results within 24 to 48 hours.

He voiced apprehension that RDTs might provide a false sense of security if they produce inaccurate results, potentially leading to the release of infected individuals.

The DOH will only consider using RDTs once they have been rigorously vetted and proven effective by credible third parties and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Duque mentioned discussing the RDTs used in South Korea with their ambassador, inquiring about their validation and WHO clearance.

Instead of RDTs, the DOH plans to increase the country's testing capacity by establishing four additional sub-national laboratories.