Project ARK pushes for breath, saliva-based COVID-19 tests in Philippines

The private sector initiative Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kit) is pushing for the use of breath and saliva-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests in the Philippines.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Project ARK supports the use of the latest COVID-19 testing technology from Israel.

In the breath test, breath aerosols will be collected and a machine called a biosafety station will be used to hold samples.

Project ARK said this test can produce results quicker and also detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases even during the first two days of infection.

In the saliva test, samples will be collected by gargling a standardized saline solution.

Project ARK said it will seek government approval to conduct clinical trials in the Philippines using the new testing technologies.

“We’re trying to really push more testing and the airlines are in desperate need. I think the Philippines should eventually open up for the locals to be able to commute within province or different islands. We have to open but we have to open safely,” Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said.

The Department of Health said its experts are studying the new tests but maintained that the polymerase chain reaction test remained the gold standard.

“Ang advantage ng saliva test, ang sinasabi ng mga experts, mas mataas daw ‘yung viral load na nakukuha ‘pag sa saliva. Pangalawa, siyempre, mas convenient sa mga tao,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News