Dengue diagnostic kit not self-help – DOH

MANILA, Philippines -  Following the nationwide roll-out of the Dengue NS1 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), the Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public that the tool should not be used as a self-test kit for the mosquito-borne disease. 

According to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, RDT is not like a pregnancy testing kit. She said using the kit requires the help of medical professionals to determine if a person has contracted dengue.

“Trained professionals need to do assessment and examination before test can be done,” she noted during the launching of the RDT program last June 15 to fortify anti-dengue efforts.

The kits were distributed in rural health units across the country. 

A DOH statement shows the “prick-drop-wait” procedure test kit contains a finger lancet to draw blood and promises results in 15 minutes. Like a pregnancy test, the RDT yields positive result for dengue by displaying two lines. 

The agency underscores that the quick test is “relevant during the acute or early phase of infection.” 

The DOH has underscored the need to seek consultation with medical experts to substantiate the results of the kits.

Data showed there is a decreasing trend of dengue cases reported to the DOH. 

From Jan. 1 to May 20 of this year, there were 35,973 dengue cases nationwide, 31.8 percent lower compared to the 52,780 cases during same period in 2016.

Most of the cases came from Central Visayas (15.5 percent), Central Luzon (13 percent), National Capital Region (12.2 percent), Calabarzon (11.4 percent) and Soccsksargen (11.1 percent).

The ages of cases range from less than one month to 98 years old with 207 deaths.

“Our fight against this dreaded virus needs a multi-sectoral approach towards a sustained integrated vector management. We need everyone’s support, the DOH together with the local government unit, other government agencies and private sectors will visit households and educate the residents on the importance of preventing the spread of dengue,” Ubial said.