Red Cross launches cheaper saliva-based COVID-19 testing

The Philippine Red Cross has started offering saliva-based RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 in Leyte and General Santos City.

In Leyte, the test is available every Tuesday and Thursday morning with results returned within 24 to 36 hours.

Since its launch on April 27, the Leyte chapter has collected 29 specimens from walk-in clients at PHP2,000 per test.

General Santos City's Red Cross chapter also began offering saliva-based testing on Monday, charging PHP2,500 (PHP2,000 for the test and an additional PHP500 for handling and transport).

The saliva RT-PCR method is non-invasive compared to nasopharyngeal and oral tests, requiring only a small amount of saliva.