Advertisement

Updated June 1st, 2020 at 15:48 IST

Thousands start to be tested for COVID19 in Tokyo

Antibody testing for COVID-19 began in Japan on Monday, as the Japanese Health Ministry investigates the level of immunity within the population.

| Image:self
Advertisement

Antibody testing for COVID-19 began in Japan on Monday, as the Japanese Health Ministry investigates the level of immunity within the population.

A total of 10,000 people are to be tested in target areas to include Tokyo, Osaka and Miyagi prefectures.

In the capital, a demonstration was held on Monday to explain the antibody testing flow, with 3,000 expected to be tested in the city.

Japan had selected areas with high rates on infection, such as Tokyo and Osaka and low rates of infection, like Miyagi, to examine the antibody retention rate for the general public.

People have been randomly selected for different age groups by the government and if consent is obtained, a blood test will occur at the facility.

The tests are different from the nasal swab tests that determine if you're currently sick.

An antibody test might show if you had COVID-19 in the recent past, but studies are still ongoing to determine what antibody level would be needed for immunity.

It's also not yet known how long any immunity might last.

For now, the tests are most helpful for researchers trying to track how the virus spreads in communities.

The Japanese Health Ministry has said it will publicize the results after the round of testing had been completed.

 

Advertisement

Published June 1st, 2020 at 15:48 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo