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Rakuten begins selling coronavirus testing kits to companies in Tokyo

Apr 21 (Japan Times) - E-commerce giant Rakuten Inc. said Monday it has started selling coronavirus testing kits to companies in Tokyo and four surrounding prefectures.

The self-assessment kit developed by genetic analysis firm Genesis Healthcare Co. is designed for people who suspect they have the pneumonia-causing disease but are asymptomatic.

The kit’s polymerase chain reaction test will determine whether a nose swab sample contains the RNA sequences specific to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus. Those who test positive still need to consult a doctor for confirmation.

Users place their samples in the leak-proof container provided, and deposit this at one of the specified locations for collection by Tokyo-based Genesis Healthcare, which is to send back the results within three days, excluding weekends and holidays.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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