No more excuses. It’s time to get tested with the The Rapid Saliva Antigen Test that is now being offered in the Philippines. Learn more about this medical breakthrough.
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Getting tested is not easy, especially when it’s the PCR antigen swab test. They take up time, are uncomfortable, and cost a hefty sum. The only good thing about the swab test is that it’s fairly accurate. And, in reality that’s all we need. The swab test has saved many lives when we needed it the most. Now, the medical market has introduced a new way to identify carriers of the novel coronavirus: The Rapid Antigen Saliva Test. After a few progressive months of COVID-19 developments, there is finally a convenient way to get tested. Instead of having a medical practitioner stick a long cotton swab up your nose, you can now spit in a cup for testing. Still confused? Don’t worry, we asked Akasi Health Care, lead provider of Rapid Antigen Tests in the Philippines, to answer our questions. Here’s what they have to say.
MEGA: Can you please explain to us what the Rapid Antigen Saliva Test is?
Akasi Health Care: The antigen saliva test is a COVID-19 diagnostic test designed to detect protein components of the virus, like the traditional nasopharyngeal antigen test. The difference lies in the method of specimen collection: as the name implies, saliva is taken from the patient instead of a swab.
M: What is the procedure in getting a Rapid Antigen Saliva Test? How does it work? How long is the test?
AKC: The procedure is like the swab antigen test. A small amount of saliva is provided by the patient and is placed inside a tube that contains a reagent. The tube is then shaken to mix the saliva and the reagent, and a few drops is then placed on the testing kit. Results can be acquired in 15 minutes.
M: How is the Rapid Antigen Saliva Test different from other COVID-19 tests? Currently, there are 3 types of COVID-19 testing available:
AKC: First is the RT-PCR (which stands for Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction), or more colloquially known as “swab test”. It is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. The test can detect the virus’ genetic material in the laboratory. The sample is taken from patients by inserting a long cotton bud (aka swab), which is around 8-10cms long, inside the nose until it researches the nasopharynx, and gently making circular motions to collect fluid from that area. Another swab is taken but this time, it is inserted in the mouth until it reaches the back of the throat (oropharynx) and the same procedure is done. Both buds are then placed inside a test tube containing VTM (viral transport medium), which must be kept at 2-8 C (Centers for Disease Control, 2019), and transported to the lab as soon as possible, where the results can be received anywhere from 6 hours to 2 days.
Second is the Rapid Antigen Test. It is also a swab test since it uses the long cotton bud. However, the similarity ends there, as it is different from RT-PCR in the following aspects:
1. The test does not detect the genetic material of the virus, it detects protein components of the virus, hence it is not as accurate as an RT-PCR
2. Results are acquired after 15 minutes (hence it being classified as a rapid test)
3. Only 1 cotton bud is inserted inside the nose to test the nasopharyngeal area. It is then placed inside a tube containing a reagent (similar to VTM), and then a few drops are added to the testing kit, which provides a result and is interpreted after 15 minutes.
Finally, we have the Rapid Antibody Test, colloquially known as the rapid test. It is not a diagnostic test (FDA, 2019). It tests patients for previous infections with COVID-19. It detects antibodies, or the body’s defence mechanism against COVID-19. Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, or from a finger prick, placed in the testing kit, and a few drops of reagent is applied, and result are available in a few minutes time.
The only differences are the type of sample collected and the manner in which it is collected.
M: Is it an effective way of detecting COVID-19?
AHC: The most effective and accurate way of detecting COVID-19 is still through an RT-PCR. Whilst a vast majority of tests are still done using nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples, saliva
RT-PCR is now also used abroad, and has been recently made available to the public here in the Philippines via the Red Cross. It is the best form of COVID-19 testing bar none. Research involving saliva is currently being done as an alternative specimen to the traditional nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal samples. This is because it is less invasive than the traditional testing methods, which many see as painful, irritating, or cumbersome. It can also entice more people to have themselves tested because it resolves the issues of the usual sample collecting method.
Antigen testing’s effectiveness depends on multiple factors, one of which is the antigen load of the patient. Testing too early, or too late would typically result in a negative test, due the smaller number of antigens, which cannot be detected by the antigen test.
M: Is it affordable and readily available?
AKC: The saliva antigen test has been recently made available in the Philippines. The price is comparable to that of the nasopharyngeal antigen testing.
Get tested for COVID-19 now in the Akasi Health Center. Book an appointment for a RT – PCR, Nasal Antigen / Saliva Testing, Rapid Antibody Testing, Flu / Pneumonia Vaccination, and HPV Vaccination at their Facebook page. You may also call them at 0966 482 2959 or 0917 117 9884.
The post Why The Saliva Antigen Test Is The Best Way To Find Out Your Status appeared first on MEGA.
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