Credit: Sysmex/Kobe University Kobe University (Location: Kobe, Japan; President: Hiroshi Takeda) and Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; Chairman and CEO: Hisashi Ietsugu) have been engaged in joint research on the ELISPOT method, a new blood test for identifying the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This method makes it possible to detect the immune response of T cells to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Here we provide an overview of the method and the results of the clinical evaluation. This information will also be made available through conference presentations and by paper submission. Although SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and may rapidly develop into a severe condition, many carriers of the virus are asymptomatic. To address this situation, research has been carried out to develop ways in which vaccine efficacy and safety can be assessed, in addition to the tests conducted in the period shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection through to the treatment / recovery phase. "T-SPOT ® Discovery SARS-CoV-2" (hereinafter referred to as the "kit"), the research reagent kit developed by Oxford Immunotec Ltd. (HQ: Oxford, the United Kingdom), measures the number of T cells that secrete interferon (IFN) -γ by stimulating an infected SARS-CoV-2 specific antigen and can confirm past exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and latent infection. It will also enable research on immune monitoring and the strength of the immune response to COVID-19 (Figure 1).