For PCR Test
PCR test for international travels at the gateway of Hokkaido: Get a negative certificate
Proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for international travelers.
When traveling abroad, you must be tested at least 3 days (72 hours) before flying to most countries and have documentation ready to show the airline before boarding that you are negative or have recovered (proof of a recent positive viral test and travel authorization from a medical or public health official).
Proof of travel from our clinic does not guarantee final international travel. Please ensure that your information is entered accurately and that you confirm the results at the time of issuance.
Please check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassies, or other reliable sources for accurate information on entering and exiting your destination country .
About our COVID-19 testing facilities
１）RT-PCR – Thermal Cycler Dice Real Time System III (Takara Bio.Co.)
The Thermal Cycler Dice® Real Time System III is a real-time PCR instrument for advanced laboratories developed based on the concepts of “ease of use”, “cost performance”, and “reliable support”.
It is equipped with a touch panel to enable stand-alone control, and is designed for ease of use. It also achieves the shortest reaction time among equivalent class models.
２）NEAR Abbott ID NOW™ System.
The test is based on the isothermal nucleic acid amplification method (NEAR method), and the results are available in approximately 15 minutes.
The accuracy of this test is considered equivalent to the RT-PCR test, which is the current standard method, and the device has been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the FDA.
Flow
STEP 1. Schedule a Flight for Overseas Travel
VACATION
RETURN HOME
BUSINESS
STEP 2. Check Departure Date and Time
※ The timing of taking the RT-PCR test varies depending on the country.
Please make sure of each country’s regulations by yourself.
※ At our Clinic, you can take Real-Time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, NEAR test using nasopharyngeal swab.
STEP 3. Schedule Your Test and Registration for Overseas Travel
We accept new COVID-19 tests through our own online registration system. Once you have registered by entering your information, you will receive an email confirmation of your test results and be able to download your certificate in pdf format.
If you would like to request a test, please enter your information on our website here.
See a Doctor
Test Reception Date
| Real-Time RT-PCR test | Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri. |
|---|---|
| Antigen test | Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. |
※ Please note that PCR tests cannot be processed on public holidays or other consecutive holidays and so the test results will be delayed during these periods.
Issuance of Medical Certificate
|
Schedule Real-Time RT-PCR test for Overseas Travel (Real-Time RT-PCR test) |
Issued at noon on the day following the inspection |
|---|---|
|
NEAR TEST for Overseas Travel (ID NOW) |
Approximately within 60 minutes after the inspection is completed |
STEP 4. Inspection and Medical Certificate Issuance Fee
Inspection and Issuance of Medical Certificate
| Test & Medical Certificate | Cost / person(tax included) |
|---|---|
| Real-Time RT-PCR test (1day) | JPY 20,000 |
| ID NOW (NEAR)(30min) | JPY 25,000 |
| Super express option 30 min. | JPY 10,000 |
|---|
Cashier
We will accept a variety of payment methods.
When you finish payment, an accounting ticket and receipt will be issued.
STEP 5. Schedule inspection by E-MAIL
※ If there are any other documents requested by your destination country, please email us in advance.
※ If these documents must use a prescribed format, please attach an example PDF file to us before the test day.
Q&A
- What is the difference between the NEAR method and the gene test (PCR test)?
-
The gene test (PCR test) requires changing the temperature to amplify the virus, while the NEAR method can be performed without changing the temperature. In addition, the NEAR test requires only a very small amount of genes compared to the PCR test, so the time required for the test is shorter.
- Can the test be done with saliva?
-
Sorry, only nasal cavity testing is available.
- How accurate is the test?
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According to some data from the U.S., the sensitivity and specificity are 95% and 98.6%, respectively.
Sensitivity and specificity refers to the accuracy of the positive and negative results of the test, respectively.
Using the Abbott ID NOW system, specimens from a total of 1,003 patients in two medical settings (emergency room and hospital/nursing home (inpatient)) were used and evaluated for the PCR method in the laboratory. - Is the antigen test different from the antibody test?
-
The antigen test is also an excellent test that can determine the presence or absence of infection in a short time, but it requires a certain amount of specimen, and a small amount of specimen may result in a false negative result. Also, it cannot be performed on asymptomatic individuals. The antibody test is used to determine whether or not a person has been previously infected with the virus, not to determine whether or not he/she is currently infected.