During the pandemic, the Philippines had the second highest number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia with only 85 available RT-PCR centers. A COVID-19 Assessment Review Board (CARB) was established by Silliman Medical Center Foundation Incorporated (SUMCFI) to effectively manage the institution?s patients and resources.The CARB Screening Tool was utilized which included modified World Health Organization (WHO) case definitions; Clinical Criteria, Epidemiologic, Radiographic (Chest xrays and CT Scans) and Laboratory Tests.

The study conducted had a primary endpoint to evaluate the accuracy of the CARB Screening Tool. Patients above 19 years of age and who underwent assessment from March 2020 to March 2022 were included in the study;those who expired prior to conducting an RT-PCR were excluded. Data from triage forms, and histories were reviewed.

A total of 3373 patients were categorized into confirmed, likely,suspect, and unlikely. Only 1679 patients were included in the study. Computed Accuracy 77.84% (Sensitivity 91.89% Specificity 61.78%) and results from Univariate Logistic Regression showed age,CARB Assessment, direct exposure, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, White Blood Cell Count,Lactate Dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, D-Dimer, Procalcitonin, and Ferritin had significant associations with a positive RT-PCR.

In conclusion,the study showed that the CARB Screening Tool was accurate and can be utilized as a good predictor for a positive RT-PCR. CARB Screening Tool can prioritize resource allocation related to COVID-19 diagnosis.