Beauty and wellness retailer Watsons is now offering FDA-certified COVID-19 antigen test kits in all its stores nationwide.
According to Watsons, the testing kits on offer can deliver at least 95 percent sensitivity and 99.2 percent specificity. The required specifications set by the Health Technology Assessment Council are 80 percent sensitivity and 97 percent specificity.
The antigen test kits use saliva as the indicator for the presence of the virus; results are available in 30 minutes or less.
To purchase the testing kits, customers are required to present a medical prescription, and testing must be administered by doctors, nurses, or medical technologists.
“As more people head out to work, school, and gatherings, Watsons knows that antigen test kits are important in helping reduce transmission,” said Maita A. Santiago, Watsons Philippines customer director.
With its latest offering, the chain aims to widen people’s access to affordable and effective testing options. The test kits available at Watsons range from P399 to P500.
“Watsons is taking a proactive role as the Philippines continues to fight this pandemic. Tools such as antigen testing kits help provide important information and serve as a guide so the public will know what steps to take,” added Santiago.