I tried "Saliva PCR test service" of Softbank Group! How do you care?

I tried the saliva PCR test service "HELPO PCR test package" for individuals.

What kind of service is "HELPO PCR test package"?Check out the overview

The saliva PCR test service for individuals "HELPO PCR test package" is a service provided by SOFTBANK Group's Healthcare Technologies and SB New Corona Virus Test Center, a subsidiary of the group. The feature is that PCR tests can be used easily at a low price. The service has been available since February 3, 2021, and the service application period is from February 3 to the end of May.

I applied for a "standard pack" for one person, and the price I was interested in was 6,050 yen (excluding return shipping). It costs 11,000 yen for 2 people, 14,850 yen for 3 people, 17,600 yen for 4 people, and 19,800 yen for 5 people.

In other words, if you apply for 5 people, it will cost about 4,000 yen per person. I heard that it costs less than 20,000 yen for each medical treatment at a clinic, so I felt that it was very reasonable. By the way, it is not possible to purchase for 5 people and have one person visit 5 times.

Order online and it will be shipped the next business day. You don't have to worry about the stress of making a reservation over the phone and waiting at the hospital. The author's sample collection kit also arrived the day after I applied.

From here on, use the dedicated application "HELPO" installed on your smartphone. HELPO provided by Healthcare Technologies is characterized by being able to immediately chat with users about their health concerns as well as PCR tests.

After making a new registration, entering the user information, opening the home screen and tapping the "Saliva PCR test" banner, the saliva collection date registration screen appeared. Saliva must be delivered within 96 hours of collection. Select a saliva collection date that is convenient for you, considering whether you want to send it by mail, "request for collection" or "bring in to the post office".

Specimen mail!Wait for the result

The author collected a sample (saliva) in the morning of March 25th. On the day, tap "Start inspection" in the app and follow the instructions with illustrations. Please note that you cannot eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth, or wash your mouth one hour before collection.

Human saliva is not so large in a short time. It is a good idea to allow about 10 minutes for the inspection time. In my head, I just kept imagining the sourness of pickled plums.

In the app, you can also check the preparation for returning the sample with an image, so it seems that you will not be in trouble without knowing how to do it.

In the morning, as soon as I collected the sample, I packed it and brought it to the local post office at 10:30. At the counter, you will be presented with a "sample information sheet" to the postal worker.

By the way, from February 1st, when handling specimens for self-PCR testing, Japan Post always "inactivates the specimens" and "the specimens are packed in the same strict triple packaging as medical institutions. It seems that it is a rule to confirm to the user "what you are doing". In fact, the postal worker at the counter was very responsive.

The test results will be notified at the earliest on the day the sample arrives at the test center or the next day or later.

In my case, I completed the mailing procedure at the post office in Suginami Ward at 10:30 on Thursday, March 25, and sent it to the SB New Corona Virus Testing Center in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture.

I was thinking, "Even if I arrive on Friday, the results will come out after Saturday and Sunday," but at 23:23 on Friday, March 26, the next day, the message app on my smartphone said, "The test results are It is now possible to confirm. " I was surprised at the sense of speed.

The test result I was interested in was "negative". Originally I wasn't worried about my health, but when I see the results again, I feel relieved.

Even if the test result is "negative", if you have any concerns about your health, you can talk to doctors, nurses, and pharmacists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from the HELPO app. In addition, HELPO's online health and medical consultation service will be available free of charge until the end of June 2021.

Is the service available 24 hours a day? What is the discount?

After actually using it, I asked SoftBank public relations and related companies about some questions.

――In the case of the author, I mailed it on Thursday morning and received the test result at 23:30 on Friday. I was surprised that the inspection was done until late, but is the inspection center 24 hours a day? And maybe you are inspecting on Saturdays and Sundays? What if the sample arrives at the laboratory on Saturday or Sunday?

"The inspection center is inspected (operated) on Saturdays and Sundays. The inspection is not available 24 hours a day, but we accept inspection applications 24 hours a day because it is online. For inspection results, please contact the inspection center. After the sample arrives, we will reply on the same day or the next day (results may be answered until around 24:00 depending on the number of cases) "

――Are you planning a discount service for people who want to undergo regular inspections? If I am a single-person household user, do I still have to pay 6,050 yen for each inspection?

"Currently, even if you use the service regularly, you need to pay 6,050 yen (excluding the return shipping fee to the inspection center) for single-person households. For discounts for those who use it regularly We are considering it. For those who can collect saliva on the same day and return it all at once, such as family members living together, we are offering a package of 2 to 5 pieces, and the cost per one will be cheaper. "

――If the test is positive, what is the situation around that, such as guiding you to a nearby medical institution?

"This service is recommended for those who live in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Fukuoka prefectures where affiliated medical institutions are located. If the result is suspected to be positive in the above area, please purchase. There is information on affiliated medical institutions on the HELPO app. If you suspect that the result is positive outside the above area, you will need to visit a nearby medical institution yourself (when you apply for the service, you will be suspected of being positive. I have consented to see a medical institution if I come out) "

***

It is an era when everyone feels uneasy about their health due to the Korona-ka. Many people will say, "I'm looking for a cheap saliva PCR test service." The SoftBank Group's "HELPO PCR test package" has an easy-to-understand work flow, and I felt that it was kind to first-time users. You may want to take this opportunity to consider using it.

Kentaro Kondo

Born in 1977, graduated from Waseda University. After working for a publishing company, he became independent as a freelancer. He is active mainly in the telecommunications and digital industries, and has recently appeared in the sports and healthcare fields. He also loves interviews all over Japan and far away. His hobbies include camera, travel and playing musical instruments. He has also enjoyed shooting and editing videos.