DOH cautions public against using rapid antibody test kits
The Department of Health (DOH) maintained on Tuesday that the rapid antibody test kits cannot be used as a “stand alone test” for confirming the presence of coronavirus disease in an individual.
In a press briefing, Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the rapid antibody test kits can produce false positive or false negative results, thus it should be coupled with the PCR-based (polymerase chain reaction) testing method.
Vergeire said the PCR-based test remains the “gold standard” in testing for COVID-19.
“As cited in Department Circular No. 2020-016, the rapid test kit is not recommended for mass testing,” she said in Pilipino.
“It is important that the results of the rapid test are confirmed using the PCR test as it remains the gold standard for correctly diagnosing COVID-19,” she said in Pilipino.
The Health official reminded the public that the rapid antibody test kits are not for self-testing.
“Only licensed doctors should prescribe or interpret [the results of] rapid test kits. These can’t be purchased over the counter. Its result and implications need to be explained by a licensed doctor,” she said in Pilipino.
Vergeire also clarified that assessment by a licensed health professional remains a “prerequisite” before an individual gets tested for COVID-19.
“Those who think they are infected will still need to be assessed by a health professional. They can do this in the comforts of your home through telemedicine consultations,” she said.
Vergeire said those most at risk for COVID-19 will be prioritized for the expanded testing. She said there are two priority sub-groups.
First are patients or healthcare workers with severe or critical symptoms and history of travel or exposure. Second are patients or health workers with mild symptoms, relevant history of travel or exposure, and considered vulnerable (60 years old and above, has pre-existing condition, or immunocompromised).
“While sub-groups 1 and 2 are given priority, anyone who requests to get tested must be assessed by a licensed health professional who shall determine whether they fall into any of these prioritized groups, and whether he should get tested immediately,” Vergeire said.
“We want to avoid people crowding and lining up in our testing centers to demand for tests even if they do not experience any symptoms. If this happens, it might result in increased cases of transmission,” she added.