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BAL HARBOUR, FLA. (WSVN) - Two COVID-19 antibody drive-thru testing sites have opened in Miami Beach and Bal Harbour.
Banyan Medical Systems and Pivot Concierge Health announced the opening of the Bal Harbour testing site on Monday.
“Our purpose and our mission is really to help communities open up faster, safely and stay open,” said Michel Koopman with Banyan Medical Systems
The site opened Tuesday morning and is located next to the Bal Harbour Shops Parking Garage’s 96th Street entrance.
Testing at this location is being conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is limited to residents of Bal Harbour Village, Bay Harbor Islands, Surfside, Indian Creek Village and surrounding communities.
The drive-thru site is able to screen up to 600 people per day, according to company officials.
“These are screenings that provide answers very quickly,” said Koopman.
The rapid-result method being used at the Bal Harbour site is administered by finger-stick testing the blood for antibodies. Results show if individuals have been infected with the virus in the recent past and recovered from it.
Patients stay in their vehicles at all times and meet virtually with a physician who asks questions like, “Have you been to any hot spots like New York City?” or, “Are you experiencing any symptoms?”
“Within about two hours or so, you will have your results,” said Koopman.
Also on Monday, MedRite announced COVID-19 antibody testing is available at its Miami Beach Urgent Care Center, located at 542 West 41 St.
The MedRite Urgent Care Center is open for testing every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with same day appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whether or not someone has contracted COVID-19 is a question Dr. Jonathan Cook, a Fort Lauderdale-based dentist, has been asked often by his patients.
Cook’s office has been testing the entire staff and will soon be able to test patients.
“This only makes our systems and protocols more efficient,” said Cook.
Not all tests have been created equal. Some regulations were rolled back by the White House a few weeks ago in an effort to make more tests accessible, but after several faulty tests were administered, the Food and Drug Administration put regulations back into place.
Regardless of how tests come back, Banyan Health said they are taking steps to make sure patients understand what their results mean.
“In that conversation, you will be able to further get your questions answered and get additional advice on how to stay healthy,” said Koopman.
Those eligible to get tested at the Bal Harbour testing site will be given a first-come, first-serve appointment with priority for first responders and those 65 and older. All major insurance providers are accepted, officials said.
Appointments can be made by clicking here.
Healthcare workers and first responders will also be given first priority for appointments at the Miami Beach location.
MedRite Urgent Care accepts most major insurance providers.
Those who would like to get tested can pre-register by clicking here.
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