Japanese precision equipment maker Shimadzu Corp. announces the launch of its fully automated PCR testing device in Kyoto on Nov. 27, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The device, which measures 66 centimeters in height, 30 cm in width and 65 cm in length, costs 2.09 million yen ($20,100). (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japanese precision equipment maker Shimadzu Corp. said Friday it has started selling an automated coronavirus test device priced much lower than similar products sold by other companies.

The company expects that the 2.09 million yen ($20,100) price tag will make the new AutoAmp polymerase chain reaction test device more affordable for small hospitals and quarantine offices. Similar machines are sold for around 4 million yen, according to Shimadzu.

The device, 30 centimeters wide and 66 cm high, can process four specimens at a time, it said. Shimadzu has set an annual sales target of 3,000 units.

Shimadzu said it is aiming to expand in the areas of diagnostics and products to support new drug development in the coming years.

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