A research team led by Professor Hiroshi Nishihara of Keio University proposed the concept of social PCR testing to determine the infectivity of new coronavirus pneumonia to others.We aim to prevent the spread of infection and achieve both socio-economic activities, not for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.
Medical PCR tests (administrative tests) are performed for the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia. In order to prove the existence of COVID-19 virus, Ct = 40, which is the limit value of the test system, is set as the test threshold value for the "Ct value", which is the number of cycles until the specific gene becomes positive. To carry out.
Social PCR tests are performed on behalf of others for the purpose of determining infectivity.Ct = 35 was set as the test threshold based on many paper reports in order to determine the state of possession of the amount of virus that may spread the infection.A large amount of PCR tests are carried out inexpensively by adopting the pool method.In addition to the positive and negative results, the amount of virus estimated from the Ct value will be taken into consideration to show a guideline for social activities, and the necessity of isolation of examinees and refraining from behavior will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
The research team devised an inspection method "SocRtes" based on this concept.In this method, an individual applies for a test on the Internet and uses the kit that arrived to send saliva. PCR tests are performed using a 10-sample pool method, and the test results can be viewed on the Internet in about 2 to 3 days.A face-to-face interview and follow-up service at four pharmacies is scheduled to start on April 4.
Rakuten Co., Ltd., Nippon Dispensing Co., Ltd., Philips Japan Co., Ltd., LSI Medience Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Space Software Co., Ltd. participate in this research as research cooperation companies.With the aim of revitalizing economic activities and controlling infections, the company plans to establish a simple and highly safe test method that can be carried out by non-medical institutions.
