The health ministry is stepping up the expansion of antigen tests to detect infections of the novel coronavirus in preparation for a simultaneous influenza outbreak expected to begin in autumn.
"If an influenza epidemic occurs at the same time, we could see about 300,000 people with fever going to outpatient clinics each day [at it's peak]," Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura warned at a press conference earlier this month. "As it is not possible to distinguish between it and the coronavirus based only on symptoms, testing for both will be necessary."
The main current method for detecting the coronavirus has been the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, but nationwide capacity is only 70,000 tests per day.
"We plan to set up a system that can make ready about 200,000 of the simpler antigen test kits per day," Tamura said.
It should be noted that the new method uses a nasal mucous sample taken at the opening of the nose. In contrast to the current method of taking the sample at the back of the nose, patients can take the sample with a cotton swab by themselves. Also, there is no need for medical personnel to wear full protective gear to perform the test.
The simple kit for the antigen test can produce a result in about 30 minutes. There is also a test using saliva, but because the simple kit cannot be used, the process takes longer.
The ministry hopes to introduce the new system at medical facilities next month, based on discussions at a meeting of its Health Science Council on Friday.
"If the new method becomes available, it will reduce the risk of infection among health care workers, and should increase the number of regional medical institutions that can provide testing for the coronavirus," said Satoshi Kamayachi, executive director of the Japan Medical Association.
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