Use of rapid test kits among factory, company workers must be coupled with PCR-based tests —DOH

The use of rapid antibody test kits to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among factory and other company employees who are set to resume work starting May 1 should be complemented by PCR-based tests too to ensure accurate results, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Kung gagamitin man nila ito [rapid antibody test kits], kailangan mayroon silang validation from an RT-PCR test," she said in a virtual conference on Tuesday.

"'Pag pinag-usapan ang mga kompanya, these are thousands of people. These are thousands of people also na walang sintomas so 'yung ating probability na makakuha ka ng may IgM diyan o IgG nga ay napakababa kasi wala namang sintomas," she added. 

IgM and IgG are isotypes of antibodies that are being detected by rapid test kits.

Vergeire explained that testing positive for IgM is a sign of active infection while having IgG indicates that a person has recently recovered.

She, however, underscored that these antibodies do not appear among asymptomatic individuals.

"Kung kukunin mo ay mga taong walang sintomas, 'yung probabilidad na makakuha ka ng positibo ay napakababa," she said. "Mas maganda talaga na i-supplement lang ang rapid antibody [test] sa RT-PCR."

Should companies use rapid antibody tests and a worker tests positive for IgM, he or she should be isolated and subjected to a PCR-based test for validation of COVID-19 infection.

PCR-based test kits are considered by the DOH as the "gold standard" in testing since these can detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Starting May 1, some establishments in areas under the general community quarantine will be allowed to resume operations.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the COVID-19 testing among the workers in the said industries will be a proactive initiative among the employers. —KG, GMA News