This electron microscope photo provided by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases shows the coronavirus. (Photo Courtesy of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

       NIIGATA -- A chemical maker in Japan announced that it will recall 130,000 boxes of coronavirus antigen test kits, some of which have risks of showing a false positive result that increase over time.

       Tokyo-based chemical manufacturer Denka Co. said on Nov. 8 that it will conduct a voluntary recall of 1.3 million Quick Navi-COVID19 Ag kits manufactured in a factory in Gosen, Niigata Prefecture. Defects were found in the material of the components used in the kits, and some products reportedly may have a higher chance of falsely presenting positive coronavirus test results as they deteriorate over time after their production.

       The company said that as individuals are diagnosed based on results including other tests, even if they get a false positive result, it will not cause serious health problems.

       Denka will recall products with serial numbers between 0750121 and 0850121, which were all manufactured in December 2020. A total of 130,000 boxes had been shipped from Denka and co-marketing partner Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co.

       According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, about 1.2 million of the 1.3 million kits had been distributed to medical institutions and elderly care facilities through a program by the national government.

       (Japanese original by Yosuke Tsuyuki, Niigata Bureau)

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