Whether you’re travelling overseas or planning to go home to your hometown, it’s essential to be safe from the coronavirus. And what’s the best way to know that you’re not a carrier of the virus? One is getting a Saliva RT-PCR test.
As the surge of COVID-19 cases continues, getting frequently tested ensures that you and your loved ones are safe from the virus. However, many people seem to get confused on where they can get themselves tested. That’s why today is your lucky day! We’ll list the places where you can access a Saliva RT-PCR test:
1. SM City Cebu
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), SM City Cebu welcomes individuals in their drive-thru collection site that offers a more accessible, faster, and non-invasive COVID-19 test.
The mall will serve as a specimen collection site where all samples will be forwarded to the partner Red Cross laboratories. These laboratories will then test the specimens, and results will be sent to the individuals tested via email. If you’re planning to have yourself tested, you should not eat, drink, or smoke half an hour before the scheduled appointment.
2. Robinsons Galleria
Aside from SM City Cebu, another supermall participating as a Saliva RT-PCR test site is Robinsons Galleria. It’s strategic location in the city provides access to Cebuanos to hassle-free testing.
Aside from the convenient access to testing, Robinson’s Saliva RT-PCR test is also cheaper compared to a typical RT-PCR swab test. The Saliva test only costs Php 2,000, while the later may range from Php3,800 to Php 5,000.
However, the saliva test is considerably cheaper at Php2,000 per test, while the cost for a RT-PCR swab test typically ranges from P3,800 to P5,000.
3. Philippine Red Cross
Other than the two malls mentioned above, Philippine Red Cross Cebu Chapter also hosts their own saliva-based test. You can simply visit their office at Philippine Red Cross Cebu Chapter, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Cebu. Make sure to schedule an appointment beforehand. Each appointment typically lasts for only 10 minutes. That means you don’t have to wait hours waiting in line simply to get tested.
Currently, these are the following sites that offer Saliva RT-PCR test. While many people are skeptical about the results of this type of test, PRC biomolecular laboratories chief Paulyn Ubial reassured the public on its accuracy.
The saliva-based test is 98.11% compared to the RT-PCR swab test’s accuracy rate of 99%. It is ideal for those who need results immediately. You can get the results in three to four hours compared to the usual 24-hours for the RT-PCR swab test.
