Tokyo, April 17, 2020 – Rakuten, Inc. today announced that it is collaborating with genetic testing kit pioneer Genesis Healthcare Co., which has developed a COVID-19 PCR testing kit with the cooperation of Souseikai Medical Corporation that adheres to the PCR analysis standard set by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, to begin offering the kits to Rakuten Group employees and partner companies.
Distribution of the COVID-19 PCR testing kit is intended for people who show no specific symptoms but are concerned about possible spread of the virus. The testing kit determines whether or not the user sample contains the RNA sequences specific to COVID-19. The testing kit is not intended for use by people displaying the symptoms of COVID-19 infection defined by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as guidelines for medical consultation and examination*1.
The decision to provide testing kits was driven by the need to better understand the level of impact of COVID-19 across the Group and partner companies. The testing kits will be distributed on a trial basis to employees within the Rakuten Group and partner companies who wish to take the tests and work for businesses that are legally required to continue operating or are part of social infrastructure, such as employees of the mobile, logistics and finance businesses. The tests will be carried out on samples collected by the users at their own homes and placed in a dedicated collection box in a specified location.
Through provision of these testing kits, Rakuten aims to support the employees of the Rakuten Group and partner companies, their families and local communities in these uncertain times, and will continue to promote further measures.
*1 The precautions for the testing kits are as follows. Further details are included inside the testing kits.
・The testing kit and the results are not the equivalent of a medical diagnosis or medical procedure.
・The testing kit and the tube containing the swab and sample preservation liquid are not medical devices and cannot be used for any purpose other than for the collection and delivery of the sample.
・The testing kit is not for DNA (individual DNA information) analysis and testing.
・The testing kit is for people 20 years of age and above. People with low hemostatic capabilities or those taking anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, anxiety disorders, or who are prone to experience symptoms of anxiety should refrain from using the testing kit.
・After reading the instructions in the kit, users are responsible for collecting the sample themselves.
・The testing kit is for use in Japan only.
* The names of companies, products and services in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.