It is said that it is necessary to promote the effective use of inspections as a countermeasure for the new coronavirus in the future, but on the other hand, there are issues in expanding the inspection system.
Experts point out that it is necessary to establish a system that makes it easy to take tests by utilizing various test methods such as PCR test and antigen test.
In preparation for the sixth wave of the new coronavirus, on the 12th of this month, the government decided on the overall picture of the measures, and for those who can not be vaccinated, free PCR tests etc. without reservation until March next year It is mentioned to be able to receive it.
In addition, the introduction of the "vaccine / testing package" is expected to increase the demand for testing more than ever.
One of the testing companies that accepts PCR tests at their own expense from companies and local governments nationwide assumed that the daily testing capacity was 21,000, but at the peak of the 5th wave, it was a day. It means that 25,000 inspections were conducted.
Since last month, when the infection has settled down, requests for negative confirmation have continued, and on many days, nearly 20,000 tests are conducted a day.
The company anticipates an increase in inspection demand in the future, but it is difficult to respond immediately because it takes time to train staff to maintain the accuracy of inspections.
Masato Ikeda, president of the testing company, said, "It is thought that the number of requests from individuals will increase due to the free vaccine / testing package and testing, but it is difficult to predict how much it will increase, and we do not know what kind of system should be taken. It's annoying. I want the government to show me how much inspection I'm expecting. "
"Effective use of testing methods other than PCR testing"
Regarding this, Professor Hayato Miyaji of Tokai University, who is familiar with the inspection system of the new corona, pointed out that PCR inspection requires advanced technology and it is difficult to expand the system suddenly, and effectively utilizes inspection methods other than PCR inspection. I think we should do it.
According to Professor Miyaji, a test method called "antigen quantitative test" that measures the amount of viral protein with a dedicated device is as accurate as PCR test, but airport quarantine is used. It means that it is only a part.
Professor Miyaji said, "Antigen quantitative tests are not as well recognized as PCR tests among medical professionals, and there are cases where they are like a treasure rot. Also, if you have symptoms, there are quick test kits sold at pharmacies. It can be utilized. We should hurry to create a system where anyone can easily receive inspections by effectively utilizing various inspection resources. "
"Antigen quantitative test" has not been fully utilized yet
One of the tests for the new coronavirus, the "antigen quantitative test," is said to be able to obtain highly accurate test results in a short time, but according to the test company, it has not been fully utilized yet.
The major testing company "SRL" is mainly requested by medical institutions and local governments, and at the testing site in Kawasaki City, there are 3,000 PCR tests per day and 15,000 antigen quantitative tests per day. It means that you can do the inspection.
According to the company, the PCR test takes about 2 hours to get the result, while the antigen quantitative test gives the result in about 30 minutes and the process is almost automated, so there are mistakes such as false positives. It's less likely to happen and costs less than half the cost of a PCR test.
However, at present, most of the tests requested are PCR tests, and although antigen quantitative tests are used in airport quarantine, they are not often used in general tests.
From August 16th to 29th, when the number of tests increased sharply due to the fifth wave of infection spread, the PCR test was in full operation, while the antigen quantitative test was only about 5%. This means that the antigen quantitative test equipment that was added in June is not currently in operation.
Kazuya Omi, Director of Research and Development Division of "SRL", said, "Although the antigen quantitative test is suitable for a large amount of tests, the new corona test seems to be a PCR test, and the accuracy is relatively low" Antigen qualitative kit " They are treated in the same line as the above, and the usefulness is not fully recognized. If the number of samples does not increase in the future, we have to consider including the reduction of the system. "
Inspection of the new corona What is the difference between them?
新型コロナウイルスの検査には、
▽PCR検査などの「核酸検出検査」、
▽「抗原定量検査」、
▽「抗原定性検査」（抗原検査キット）の主に3つのタイプがあります。
それぞれ特徴があり、厚生労働省や国立感染症研究所などでは状況に応じて適切に使うよう求めています。
【核酸検出検査（PCR検査）】
「核酸検出検査」は、鼻やのどの奥の粘液やだ液などに含まれるウイルスの遺伝子の一部を人工的に増幅させて検出する検査法です。
このうち、PCR検査は最も感度が高いとされていますが、遺伝子の増幅や検体処理の手順があるため、結果が出るまでに1時間から3時間程度の時間がかかるとされています。
厚生労働省によりますと、国内のPCR検査の体制は今月11日時点で一日当たり行政検査向けがおよそ25万件、自費検査向けがおよそ10万件だということです。
【抗原定量検査】
抗原定量検査は、新型コロナウイルスに特徴的なたんぱく質を専用の装置で測定するもので、検査時間が30分程度と短いのが特徴です。
PCR検査と同じく検査の精度は高いとされ、症状がある人でも、無症状の人でも確定診断に使うことができるとされています。
東京オリンピック・パラリンピックの選手団への陰性確認のための検査でも使われたということで、現在も主に空港検疫で使われています。
厚生労働省よりますと、国内での検査能力は今月10日時点で、一日当たりおよそ7万7000件だということです。
On the other hand, according to Professor Hayato Miyaji of Tokai University, who is familiar with the testing system for the new coronavirus, the antigen quantitative testing device itself is used for other tests at many medical institutions nationwide, so it is potentially possible. Means that it may be possible to increase the number to about 300,000 per day.
[Antigen qualitative test] The
antigen qualitative test does not require a special device by using the "antigen test kit", and the result can be obtained in about 30 minutes by collecting the mucous membranes such as the back of the nose and throat.
It can be used for definitive diagnosis of the new corona when people with symptoms become positive, but it is said that the detection sensitivity will be low if the amount of virus is not above a certain level, and it is recommended for people without symptoms. not.
However, since it is easy to use and you can perform the test yourself, it can be an effective means for conducting a wide range of tests to prevent the spread of infection at medical institutions and long-term care facilities.
From September, the antigen test kit approved by the government as a "medicine" for the general public is allowed to be sold at dispensing pharmacies.