FAQ
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
If you have any questions before or after your visit, please read this first.
Before going to the store
Q. Are there any precautions I should take before the exam?
A. Please refrain from eating, drinking (including water), and smoking within 30 minutes prior to the test as it will affect the test.
The result report will basically be sent by e-mail, so please prepare an e-mail address that can receive the results in advance.
Q. What do I need to bring with me at the time of exam?
A. You will need to provide identification that verifies your name and current address.
If you would like a negative certificate for overseas travel, please bring your passport (original) and something that confirms your flight for the day (a smartphone reservation screen is also acceptable).
Q. Do I need to make a reservation?
A. Reservations are not required. Please come directly to the store during business hours.
Q. How long does it take from the time I go to the store until the exam is complete?
A. It takes about 15 minutes.
After arriving at the store, the process includes filling out a medical questionnaire, filling out an application form for prefecture (for free test), payment (for paid options), and exam.
Q. What is the sample collection and testing method?
A. The sample collection is done by the customer's own saliva collection.
Staff will guide you on how to handle the test kit at the store, so please follow the instructions to collect the specimen correctly.
The test method is RT-PCR test (real-time PCR).
Q. Who is eligible for free tests?
A. Persons without symptoms and those who are not concentrated contacts are eligible for the program.
As of September 2022, only residents of each prefecture is eligible. Please note that if your current address is outside of the prefecture, you are not eligible.
For details, please refer to the website of each metropolitan prefecture (external website).
Tokyo tokyo-kensasuishin.jp/
Saitama www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0710/vtppe.html
Nagano www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/kansensho-taisaku/vtp/kensa.html
Q. Is it really free?
A. Yes, if you are eligible for the free tests listed above.
Q. I was not eligible for the free test, but I would like to take the PCR test. Is there a fee for this service?
A. Yes you can. The regular plan is from 6,000 yen.
NOTICE: Rates may differ at some stores. Please contact the store you plan to use for details.
NOTICE: Please note that this service is not available at some stores.
Q. I live out of prefecture and used to be able to receive this service for free. Can't I get it for free now?
A. Due to a notice from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Government of Japan, free PCR test for vaccine testing packages and programs to promote the establishment of testing for all eligible persons has terminated as of August 31, 2022.
So you can't get free PCR test for free no longer.
Please note that you will be charged for the PCR test.
For details, please refer to the website of each metropolitan prefecture (external website).
Tokyo tokyo-kensasuishin.jp/
Saitama www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0710/vtppe.html
Nagano www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/kansensho-taisaku/vtp/kensa.html
Q. I don't have my e-mail adress. What should I do?
A. We can report results by SMS. If you do not have an e-mail address or have not received a confirmation e-mail, please contact our store staff.
If you do not have a cell phone, we can also report the results by phone call to your home phone. Please contact our store staff if you do not have a cell phone.
Q. Do you offer antigen testing?
A. Sorry, we only offer PCR testing.
Q. Do you offer antibody testing?
A. Neutralizing antibody count testing is available at Shin-okubo store.
Please ask a staff member when you use the service.
Please note that other stores do not offer this service.
About Plans, Options, Negative certificates
Q. What kind of plans do you offer?
A. Our free test takes up to 72 hours to report the results due to the congestion at the exam stations and retests.
If you are in a hurry, please take advantage of the paid plans.
Please also see the following pages
NOTICE:
Please note that some stores do not offer paid plans.
Rates may differ at some stores. Please contact the store you plan to use for details.
We are not responsible for any damages caused by delays in test results.
Even if multiple people are tested at the same time, the results may not be reported at the same time depending on the timing of the tests. Please understand this in advance.
Q. Does the accuracy of the test change depending on the paid plan?
A. Paid plans will be prioritized in the order of testing and reporting of results. Therefore, this will not change the accuracy of the inspection.
Q. How much is a negative certificate?
A. Please note that the price differs between the Japanese version of the negative certificate and the negative certificate for overseas travel available at the airport. Rates may differ at some stores, so please contact the store you plan to use for details.
NOTICE: Please note that this service is not available at some stores.
Q. I want to go abroad. Can you issue a negative certificate for travel?
A. It is possible, but the validity time of the negative certificate and the specimen collection method will vary depending on the country/region you are visiting. This will also affect the time of your visit to our store, so please check with us before coming.
Also, depending on the validity time of the negative certificate, an optional fee may be required to expedite the results.
Please check the validity time of the negative certificate in advance. Please feel free to inquire at the store where you will receive the test about the necessary optional fees.
Q. I would like to go abroad, but I found that the country/area I am going to requires that specimens be collected by nasopharygeal swab. Is it possible to perform PCR testing in the nasopharygeal swab?
A. Only the Shin-okubo store handles nasopharygeal swab specimen collection.
However, nasopharyngeal specimens must be collected by a nurse. The nurse may not be available at certain times of the day, so please contact the Shin-okubo store if you wish to have your nasopharygeal swab specimen collected.
Check Up Center Yotsuba Shin-okubo TEL : 03-5937-0539
Q. Is there validity to the negative certificate?
A. The negative certificate issued by our clinic is approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
It can be used as a legally valid document when you are asked to submit it at the airport for overseas travel.
The name of our partner medical institution, FIRE CLINIC, is listed on the METI website.
Q. Can I use credit cards and transportation system IC cards?
A. Credit cards (VISA, JCB, etc.) and transportation system IC cards are accepted only at the Shin-Okubo store.
Please note that all other stores accept cash only.
Q. I see that the negative certificate is sent as a pdf, but it is difficult for me to print it out myself. What should I do?
A. We may be able to provide you with a printed copy at the store.
If you have difficulty printing by yourself, please feel free to ask our staff.
After exam
Q. I have not received my test results. What should I do?
A. For free testing, please first check that at least 72 hours have passed since the specimen was collected.
And please check spam folder.
If the email address you entered on the collection date is incomplete, we may have sent you by a SMS.
If you still have not received the message, please call the store where you took the test.
Q. What makes the results so fast?
A. Depending on the timing of the exam and other factors, results may be available earlier for free tests.
We are not able to provide detailed information on the testing methods and information, as this information is confidential.
Q. Can't you do a free tests or a regular plan faster?
A. We apologize for the inconvenience. We try to differentiate our patients by time, so we give priority to those with a fast pass. We will try our best to provide free tests and regular plans as soon as possible, but we cannot promise to expedite the time.
About our stores
Q. I can't find the store. What should I do?
A. Please check store's page.
Some stores may be difficult to locate, in which case, please contact us by phone.
Q. Do you have regular holidays?
A. Basically, all stores are open every day. Some stores are closed on certain days. For details, please check the store information of each store. → store's page
Opening hours may be shortened during stormy weather such as typhoons. Please understand in advance.
We may close temporarily for various reasons. Please understand this in advance.
Some stores may cancel the event or change or shorten their opening hours in case of rain or stormy weather due to the outdoor location of the event. For details, please check the store information of each store. For the latest information, please call before using the event.
Q. I arrived at the store, but the store does not seem to be open. What should I do?
A. Please call the store you visited first.
You can find the phone number of each store on the store's page.
If you cannot get through, please contact the Shin-okubo store.
Check Up Center Yotsuba Shin-okubo TEL : 03-5937-0539
Q. Do you have permission from the health department or prefectural government?
A. Yes, we do. Each store is licensed by each prefecture. Please rest assured.
Q. Is this a hospital?
A. This is a specimen collection station partner with a clinic.
Specimens collected at this laboratory are brought to the partner clinic and tested by RT-PCR (real-time PCR).
About PCR tests
Q. What kind of PCR test is performed here?
A. The RT-PCR method (real-time PCR) is used here by the affiliated medical institution.
The specimens collected by customers themselves at each store are transported to the affiliated medical institution, and then tested by a doctor.
Q. I have already been vaccinated, so I don't think I need to take the PCR test.
A. After the vaccine is administered, the body produces antibodies to prevent infection and reduce the risk of serious illness after infection.
The PCR test is used to confirm whether or not a person is infected with the coronavirus.
Vaccinations do not guarantee that a person will be completely free from coronavirus infection.
Therefore, we recommend periodic PCR testing to check your infection status.
Q. What is a definitive diagnosis by a physician?
A. It is a negative or positive diagnosis by a physician.
In the case of some other PCR laboratories, if the diagnosis is not confirmed by a physician, the diagnosis is negative or suspected positive. If you are suspected to be positive here, you will need to be retested again at your own expense at a medical institution and then receive a negative or positive diagnosis.
Our PCR test is a confirmed diagnosis in the case of a positive result, so there is no need for retesting at a medical institution at your own expense. If you do test positive, you will be sent home immediately thereafter.
If you have any questions that are not answered here or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the store.