Photo/Illutration A demonstration of a drive-through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the novel coronavirus in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward on April 22 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The health ministry will allow dentists to collect samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to check people for COVID-19, as part of its efforts to expand the country’s testing capabilities.

The new temporary measure, decided on April 26, is aimed at easing a health care labor shortage and will only be allowed under certain conditions, including requiring the dentists to undergo prior training and obtaining patients’ consent.

Specimen samples for PCR tests are collected by swabbing noses and throats.

The government is working to increase the number of daily PCR tests to 20,000, as many observers have pointed out that Japan's daily test number is low compared to other countries. About 15,000 tests can be conducted daily as of April 24, according to the ministry.

In an April 22 proposal, an expert panel advising the government pointed to a lack of medical personnel who can take samples for PCR tests as a factor behind the limited testing capacity.

The health ministry proposed the new measure to another expert advisory panel that includes representatives from the Japan Dental Association and the Japan Medical Association, which approved of the idea.

Dentists are normally not allowed to take samples from patients' noses and throats, but the ministry decided to give them permission to do so only when there are no doctors, nurses or laboratory technicians available for the task during the coronavirus outbreak.

So far, health care workers have not conducted the procedure at ordinary clinics, since that is believed to come with a high risk of contracting the virus. They have instead collected samples at designated institutions, where many preventive measures are taken to ward off infections.

The Tokyo Medical Association, a group of doctors, is also working to expand testing capabilities by setting up dedicated PCR testing facilities and gaining cooperation from practicing doctors in local communities. The new measure requires dentists to take samples only at such facilities, after they receive training.

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