Japan government gives nod to rapid antigen kit to detect coronavirus
TOKYO: The Japanese government has given the green light to a rapid antigen test to diagnose COVID-19 that delivers results faster than others, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The test kit, which takes a nasopharyngeal sample, does not need a laboratory to obtain the diagnosis, unlike the most commonly used method, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and the result can be available in less than half an hour, Efe news reported.
Approval of this mass-use test kit was confirmed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday, and the Ministry of Health adopted the relevant guidelines.
Suga said that those who test negative using this new method will again undergo the PCR test for confirmation since it is more accurate, but those testing positive are certain to have been infected.
The rapid antigen test kit can be used in a health centers and also by people in proximity to those who have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2.
The kit's manufacturer, Fujirebio, has committed to supplying about 200,000 units per week, and could expand production if necessary.
Japanese authorities have said that this rapid test kit will be covered under the national health insurance. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said that as a result of this approval, they will be able to conduct around 3,000 tests a month from June at health centers in the capital. (IANS)