SD Biosensor COVID-19 antigen test fails DOH evaluation

South Korean SD Biosensor COVID-19 antigen test has failed the Department of Health’s evaluation because it fell short of World Health Organization (WHO) standards, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

“It is true na hindi siya umabot sa diagnostic performance na recommended ng WHO na 80% sensitivity at 97% specifity,” Vergeire said.

She said SD Biosensor only posted 71% sensitivity.

The evaluation was done by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine which is under the DOH.

Vergeire, however, noted that this is not the end of the road for SD Biosensor.

“Pinag-aaralan pa natin ang next course of action kasi iyong SD Biosensor ay approved ng WHO sa kanilang emergency use listing,” she said.

“Nakikipag-usap pa tayo sa WHO kung ano dapat ang susunod na hakbang,” Vergeire added.

The government is still pilot testing the effectiveness of antigen test in Baguio City, but Vergeire said initial results are not yet conclusive.—AOL, GMA News