Rep. Herrera backs Duterte's plan to buy COVID-19 antibody test kits

Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera supports President Duterte's directive to buy rapid antibody test kits to boost the country's COVID-19 testing capacity.

Herrera described the President's decision to immediately procure these test kits as "sound judgment" and essential for a leader during a crisis.

The planned purchase of rapid antibody test kits will serve as a complement to the existing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay tests used in the Philippines.

The World Bank has recommended the use of both antibody and PCR tests for nations implementing costly suppression measures to contain the pandemic.

According to Herrera, antibody testing can help identify individuals who have developed immunity, potentially allowing them to return to work safely and aid in economic recovery while vaccines are still under development.

Antibody tests can also be instrumental in advancing convalescent plasma therapy, a potential COVID-19 treatment.

Citing World Bank research, Herrera noted that the combined use of PCR and antibody testing could potentially reduce the duration of suppression measures and allow a portion of the immune population to return to work, leading to significant economic gains.

The World Bank brief suggests using PCR tests for infection detection and contact tracing, while antibody tests should prioritize determining who can safely return to work, especially those in essential services requiring close human contact.