As testing has become a normal part of many Filipinos’ daily lives, it’s crucial to find the best places to get this test for the most affordable prices, especially since a lot of people’s livelihoods are being still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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That said, if it’s affordable swab testing you’re looking for, then you should know that there’s a government agency that offers RT-PCR testing for only Php 391.
Here’s Where You Can Get A Swab Test for Under Php 400
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is offering the lowest RT-PCR test for PhilHealth members who have been actively contributing to the fund for the past six months, Spot.ph reported.
The announcement was made on the institute’s Facebook page on Monday, January 25.
Aside from consistently paying PhilHealth members, qualified dependents 21 years of age and below can also avail of the “special rate,” the announcement noted. The regular price is P3,800.
The post also noted that the NKTI is offering RT-PCR testing daily between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Executive Parking Area, located near the Main Building Entrance. Results are released the day after testing and can be claimed from Mondays to Saturdays between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
They will be accepting walk-ins for testing. If you prefer, you can contact the NKTI Laboratory beforehand through 8981-0300 (local 1064/1144) or through e-mail at labreception@nkti.gov.ph.
The RT-PCR test, short for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, is considered the “gold standard” by the health department to this day. NKTI noted in their announcement that they do not offer the equally popular but less dependable Rapid Antigen Testing.
Moreover, if you are not risking your health as well as your family’s by stepping outside the house simply to have the test, there are also at-home services for both types of tests available in Metro Manila. Prices range from P1,300 to P5,000.
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