TOKYO: Japan’s health ministry said July 17 that it will allow the use of saliva samples from asymptomatic people in polymerase chain reaction and antigen testing for the novel coronavirus.

The move is part of efforts to expand the country’s coronavirus testing capabilities, as Tokyo and some other areas face a surge in infection cases.

The ministry previously allowed saliva samples only in testing on people during the first nine days of showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Asymptomatic people had been required to have mucus samples taken from the back of their noses with cotton swabs, but the procedure is prone to triggering sneezes and spreading the virus.

The government conducted an experiment in which asymptomatic patients had mucus samples taken for PCR tests, as well as saliva samples for PCR and antigen tests. It found that the accuracy of the tests did not differ greatly.

“By using saliva samples, we can make the workload for medical workers significantly lighter,” health minister Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference.

JIJI Press