CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Quest Diagnostics and Walmart have teamed up to setup a large drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in Western New York.
The Walmart parking lot on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga is now testing first responders, healthcare providers, those showing symptoms, and those in high risk groups without symptoms who have an appointment. You will not be able to show up and get a test, you must make an appointment with Quest.
Quest is requiring anyone who is interested in scheduling an appointment to create a MyQuest account if they do not already have one. Before requesting an appointment, users are also asked to supply insurance and employment information.
After inputting insurance or employment information, the user is asked questions about their symptoms and medical history.
Based on results, the site tells the user whether they can set up an appointment with Quest for the drive-thru. Here is what a decline looks like:
Beginning May 15, the testing site will be open Monday through Friday weekly from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Those being tested will need to stay in their cars-- anyone who walks up will not be tested. Volunteers from Walmart and Quest will staff the drive-thru. They will verify that people are eligible, have an appointment, and check their ID. You're asked not to show up more than 10 minutes prior to your appointment.
What to bring/things to note:
- The testing site requires an appointment through Quest’s MyQuestTM online portal and app. You will receive an appointment confirmation that you will need to have on hand when you arrive on-site.
- In addition, please make sure to bring your insurance card and valid photo ID for proof of identity.
- Those being tested will need to stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and sample self-collection. For the safety of all those on-site, the test site is not able to service those who walk up.
- Individuals being tested will perform a self-administered nasal swab in their car with a healthcare provider observing them. Directions will be provided in the confirmation email after scheduling the appointment and on-site.
- It’s important to take care of yourself and monitor your symptoms closely. If your symptoms do not improve or you develop new or worsening symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Do not wait to receive your results.
The test is self-administered with guidance from the trained volunteers. It is a nasal swab test that takes 15 seconds for each swab. Healthcare workers guide you through the process while you stay in the car with your windows up. You're only allowed to roll your window down partially when you're handed the test. You drop it in a bin and wait for your results.
Results:
- Individuals being tested will receive their COVID-19 test results through the secure MyQuest online portal or app and may receive a call from a telehealth partner PWN to review results.
- The average turnaround time to report results is 2 – 3 days from the day of collection.
- While individuals that are tested are awaiting results, please follow CDC guidelines [cdc.gov] and take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Quest Diagnostics has increased testing capacity to 250 tests per day up from 150, seven days a week.
After the sample is collected by the user, Quest Diagnostics will process the sample and communicate results to the person who was tested and local and state health departments. Quest asks that anyone tested follows CDC guidelines while they await their results.
New York State Police will be on location to provide assistance and traffic control.
Anyone with questions on appointments and testing can call Quest at 866-448-7719 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
