TULSA, Okla. — Colleen Nabors found MCI Diagnostics at 71st and S. Utica. She says Oklahoma is at a critical time in history and we must rethink how healthcare once operated.
“This is a pandemic. So, we should do this so much different. And I fought and I fought with trying to give a simple solution. And the best solution was that, take control of your life," Nabors said.
She says take control by being able to test for coronavirus without a doctor's recommendation. MCI set up drive through service on Sunday, March 29, for a cost of $250.
Nabors says MCI recently purchased equipment which allows them to test in house, providing results between 24 and 72 hours.
Cura Telehealth also provides drive up testing at 81st and Yale. They offer the typical nose swab which Dr. Clinton Baird says takes between 24 and 48 hours to get results.
They also offer patients a self administered finger prick blood test, which Baird says is a much faster result time.
“Over the course of 15 minutes, we’ll be able to see the results of the antibodies being present or not being present," Baird said.
Antibodies determine if your body is fighting the virus or if you've already had COVID-19, but Baird stresses the blood test is not a guarantee.
Baird said, "There is the possibility for a couple other viruses that could cross react.”
He says for instance, if you previously tested positive for SARS during that pandemic.
The cost for the rapid blood test is $60 and does require a doctors recommendation. If you don't have a primary care physican, Cura will telescreen you for $60 to determine if you should be tested.
For those without insurance, Cura provides free screening Tuesdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Baird says his lab has set aside 100 test kits which would be administered free of charge for individuals who pass that screening process, but the test must be conducted on site.
The Tulsa Health Department says if you have symptoms you should always consult with a medical professional.
The Tulsa Health Department also has an undisclosed drive up location, which test high risk individuals. This service is also available for those without insurance.
However, officials at the Tulsa Health Department say test kits are running low.
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