The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has allotted Php 19.3 million for a research on the validation and evaluation of antibody tests for COVID-19. DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said the University of the Philippines-Manila will lead the study which aims to develop information on the diagnostic accuracy of the test in detecting COVID-19. Around 225 patients are needed for the study.
“Ito ay isasagawa sa dalawang grupo, iyong mga pasyente na less than o equal to 14 days pa lang at iyong iba naman ay more than 14 days na doon sa pagkaka-experience nung disease (This will be conducted into two groups, those who are patients for less than or equal to 14 days, and those experiencing the disease for more than 14 days),” Dela Peña disclosed.
“Actually may project duration ito na nine months, pero nangako ang project leader na within three months ay magbibigay na sila ng significant findings dito para malaman ang accuracy ng rapid antibody test. (The project duration is nine months but the project leader promised to release significant findings within three months to determine accuracy of rapid antibody tests),” Dela Peña added.
There is no set date yet for the start of the study pending a go signal by the FDA. Meanwhile, the DOH reminded companies that rapid antibody tests are not considered as a clearance for workers who are about to report for work.
“The testing should not be a condition for a person to return to work. So dapat hindi ginagawa but unfortunately, maraming gumagawa, especially mga companies na gusto na ring magpabalik ng mga empleyado (This shouldn’t be done but unfortunately, many are doing it especially companies that want their employees to return to work),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
