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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Results of RITM study on saliva-based COVID-19 test eyed to be released to public in 2022 — DOST

Results of RITM study on saliva-based COVID-19 test eyed to be released to public in 2022 — DOST

Published Dec 11, 2021 01:27 pm

The results of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) study on the use of saliva as an alternative specimen for the detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2), the virus which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), may be out next year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE)

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the project team, led by Alexander Sadiasa is expected to release the results of their study by 2022.

“Currently, the project team is still finalizing the study and the results are targeted to be available to the public by next year,” she told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.

Guevara noted that the project is one of the research initiatives supported by the DOST and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) that explored alternative diagnostic approach for COVID-19 detection.

The RITM team aims to determine the suitability of saliva as an alternative clinical specimen for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

“Determining its suitability would prolong the supplies of PPE (personal protective equipment) and swabs,” Guevara said.

“It is also a non-invasive procedure and reduces the risk of healthcare workers acquiring infection from specimen collection,” she added.

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