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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are testing the use of Rapid Antigen Testing (ART) for large-scale events where faster results are critical.
This includes events like graduation parades and major conferences, or when quick contact tracing is needed after a COVID-19 case is reported.
Graduation parades, such as those that mark the end of Basic Military Training, are currently held in the form of smaller decentralized ceremonies.
“One possible application would be graduation ceremonies, where you have swoon parades, graduations for some of our cadets or course graduates,” Minister of State for Defense Zaqy Mohamad told reporters on Tuesday (October 27).
“So these are plans that we can potentially test on. How far, how soon, I think is something that we are still evaluating. But I think ultimately before we implement it, it’s about making sure it’s effective and that it serves our purposes. “
Samples for ART are collected through a middle turbinate test, which is said to be most comfortable when a swab is inserted into the middle of the nostril.
In conventional nasopharyngeal tests, a swab is inserted into the back of the nostril.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore to pilot pre-event rapid tests from mid-October so more events can safely resume
This occurs as Singapore begins pre-event pilot testing with rapid antigen tests, which can yield results in about half an hour.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabs, considered the definitive test in Singapore for being more accurate, take between one and two days to obtain results.
Those who test positive via ART will need to undergo a confirmatory PCR test.
NEWER TEST METHODS
The SAF has also been testing newer COVID-19 testing methods for operationally ready National Military (NSmen), so it can test larger numbers and progressively resume more in-camp training (ICT), Zaqy said.
This includes oropharyngeal saliva / middle turbinate (OP / MT) and deep throat (DTS) tests.
A SAF regular who is also an ICT trainer spitting into a test tube during a deep throat saliva test. (Photo: Jeremy Long)
“The SAF will have to look at how we apply some of these new developments, if it provides us with adequate sensitivity,” Zaqy added.
“But at the same time, what is most important is giving our NSmen the assurance and peace of mind that SAF is doing everything possible to keep students safe (and enable them) to achieve their goals when they return.”
READ: Some NSmen will be swabs for COVID-19 from October, new methods can be used for mass testing
These methods are being tested with smaller groups of military personnel, such as regular trainers interacting in separate groups during training, and full-time National Military (NSF) in selected units.
Since September, around 400 NSFs and regular customers have gone through DTS testing. Approximately 300 had their results processed through ART.
SALIVA TEST
The OP / MT collection method involves taking a sample from the back of the throat and up to the middle of the nose.
The DTS method is considered less invasive as it can be self-administered and only requires the military to produce 2 ml of saliva in a test tube.
It’s also cheaper and faster to administer, and it reduces labor requirements as it doesn’t need to be performed by healthcare professionals.
READ: The Ministry of Health conducts field tests to verify the feasibility of generalized saliva tests for COVID-19
SAF is evaluating the feasibility of implementing these tests on a larger scale and is considering the equipment, logistics, and training involved.
Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen had told Parliament on October 6 that NS men must take COVID-19 tests starting in October if they cannot avoid proximity to each other during ICT.
The Minister of State for Defense, Zaqy Mohamad, observed the NS men conducting update drills. (Photo: Jeremy Long)
The SAF could use newer methods such as OP / MT or DTS that are more suitable for mass testing, Dr. Ng said, adding that the trials have shown promise in terms of precision and acceptability.
Zaqy said that there is no timetable for the trials yet, as different methods have different considerations.
“At the same time, you also want to minimize the risk of false positives or false negatives. I would say that effectiveness is only one part, but comfort for our NS men is another, ”he added.
SECURE RESUME OF ICT
Mr. Zaqy spoke after interacting with NSmen from the 791st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) who are undergoing weapons and skills refresher training as part of their two-week ICT.
About 600 NSmen from the battalion are tested once a week using conventional nasopharyngeal tests.
READ: SAF will progressively resume NS training at camp, IPPT from October with COVID-19 security measures
This is part of the regular routine tests for HL members, trainers and support staff serving ICT, which have been progressively resumed since October.
The tests can be scaled up based on the prevailing infection rate in the community. So far there have been no positive results, Zaqy said.
NSmen underwent weapon upgrade training at the matador. (Photo: Jeremy Long)
ICTs have also been resumed with safe management measures, including training in smaller and separate groups, as well as the use of masks, except during strenuous activities.
NS men can go back to training while waiting for their test results as they are confined to their small groups.
NSMAN WELCOMES NEWER TESTING METHODS
Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) R Hariprasath, a 791 SIR NSman, said routine testing is “a good thing to implement.”
“It is a security measure to ensure that we are not affected by COVID-19,” said the 25-year-old.
CFC R Hariprasath is in its fourth ICT. (Photo: Jeremy Long)
Despite that, CFC (NS) Hariprasath said that he felt nervous during the nasopharyngeal test, as it was the first time they had taken a swab. But it turned out to be “not painful” and lasted “less than 10 seconds,” he said.
While CFC (NS) Hariprasath has not tested the newer testing methods, it said it would be willing to try the deep throat saliva test.
“I think it’s a good idea because I’d rather try that than put the swab up my nose,” he said.
CFC (NS) Hariprasath stated that he was concerned when he was first called for this TIC in the midst of the pandemic, but was reassured when he saw the security measures in place.
Soldiers receiving training in technical handling of the SAR-21. (Photo: Jeremy Long)
Captain Azri Haron, a company trainer from the Infantry Training Institute, said routine tests for men and NS trainers are important to assure both groups and their loved ones that they run ICT during a pandemic is safe.
“Other than that, training standards and outcomes will not differ much from pre-pandemic times,” the 29-year-old said.
“This is because it is very important for the army to train ready-to-operate soldiers to be capable and competent to defend the country.”
Zaqy said Singapore’s commitment to defense “cannot waver” even as it battles COVID-19.
“This is where we are trying to bring ICT training back into the fold, to ensure we maintain operational readiness and a high level of training so that we can continue to defend Singapore,” he added.
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