Photo/Illutration An electron microscope image of the new coronavirus isolated by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (Provided by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

Japan has approved an antigen test for use that quickly detects the novel coronavirus, health minister Katsunobu Kato announced May 12 at a news conference.

Kato said the approval would take effect from midnight, and that individuals who underwent the test, which produces results in about 30 minutes, would be covered by the national health insurance program.

The test, developed by Fujirebio Inc., detects the presence of the protein characteristic to a specific virus and is often used to detect influenza.

The antigen tests for the novel coronavirus will initially be distributed to the sections at local public health centers handling consultation calls from individuals wanting to take the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the coronavirus.

A swab to the throat or in the nose collects the sample to be tested.

Kato said the antigen test would be used as an alternative to the PCR test.

Ministry officials said anyone testing positive in the antigen test would be considered a confirmed coronavirus infection.

But a negative result in the antigen test would require the individual to take the PCR test to confirm if they are infected.

To prevent cluster infections, the antigen test will also be used on health care professionals and other staff at medical facilities and care facilities for the elderly where patients and residents have been confirmed infected with the coronavirus.

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