UP-developed COVID-19 test kits may be available in 2-3 weeks

The results of field validation for locally-produced COVID-19 test kits developed by the University of the Philippines may be available within 2 to 3 weeks.

Dr. Raul Destura, deputy director of UP's Philippine Genome Center, stated that if the validation is successful, the test kit can apply for wider distribution.

The FDA has issued a certificate of exemption for field testing due to rising cases of COVID-19 and will determine the validity of results through gene sequencing at the Philippine Genome Center.