Use in-vitro diagnostics!

Of the test kits for new coronavirus infections, those approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare as "general antigen test kits (OTC)" can be purchased on the Internet site. Please purchase products labeled as "in vitro diagnostic drug" or "class 1 drug" .

In addition, some online shops sell many test kits for "research use" that are not approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, but please note that their performance has not been confirmed.

(Reference) Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare “Approval information for general antigen test kit (OTC) for new coronavirus infection”

About Tokyo inspection business

• Tokyo "Regarding the distribution of antigen qualitative test kits"
• Tokyo "Distribution of antigen qualitative test kits to symptomatic persons through medical institutions"
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government "PCR and Other Testing Free Project"

About inspection

The new coronavirus mainly invades the cells of the human throat and nose, multiplies, and causes inflammation. Tests for diagnosing new coronavirus infections include PCR tests, antigen quantitative tests, and antigen qualitative tests, all of which can determine whether the virus is present in the patient's cells. In addition, there is an antibody test, but this is a test to see if you have been infected with the new coronavirus infection in the past, and it is not suitable for the purpose of checking whether you are infected at the time of the test.

(Reference) Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website “ About inspections for new coronavirus infections ” ”

About the cost

In case of administrative inspection

If a doctor determines the following during a medical interview, etc., you can undergo a test (PCR test, etc.) to diagnose a new coronavirus infection at no cost (administrative test).

• If you have symptoms such as fever and cough and comprehensively judge that you suspect the new coronavirus infection
• If it is determined that you are a close contact person even if you are asymptomatic

However, you will be responsible for the consultation fee and other examination costs (CT, X-ray examination, blood test, etc.) at the time of consultation .

Self-expense inspection

For tests other than administrative inspections, such as to confirm that you are healthy (negative) at your own request, you will be responsible for the cost of the test (self-expense test).

(Example of self-inspection)

• When you go abroad for work and the country or place of work requires an inspection certificate
• When negative confirmation is necessary for returning home or conducting socioeconomic activities
• If someone close to you has tested positive for the new coronavirus and you are not considered a close contact person, but you want to check your status

(Reference) Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare " About examinations that are fully paid by the person himself/herself during socioeconomic activities (so-called self-expense examination) ”

* A list of inspection institutions that provide self-inspection is posted.

Flow after inspection

For those with negative results

A person with a negative test result is unlikely to have been infected at the time of the test. However, those who have been in close contact with the virus may develop symptoms at a later date, so we ask that you refrain from going out unnecessarily. For details, please see the "For people who have been in close contact " page.

For those with positive results

Please see the page "For those who have tested positive for the new coronavirus infection " for the flow of medical treatment in the case of a positive test at a medical institution or self-test.