Westminster Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing Clinic Draws Hundreds Of Southland Residents

WESTMINSTER (CBSLA) -- Cars snaked through the parking lot at the Westminster Mall Friday, as people lined up for drive-through COVID-19 and antibody testing.

"It's been six hours," said Kaden Pinkstaff. He and his mom drove to Orange County from Encinitas in order to get their fingers pricked to see if they have immunity for coronavirus.

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Both of their tests were negative.

The drive-through clinic, set up by a Huntington Beach family, has been running for a week. They see about 200 patients per day.

"Everyone that's in the line will get a test," said Julie Nisco, a registered nurse administering tests at the clinic. "We closed the line already, so everyone has been turned away that will not get a test."

The serology test, which tests for coronavirus antibodies, is $75 and comes with results in 15 minutes. The nasal swab that confirms a current COVID-19 infection runs at $125. The results come within a few days.

Dr .Matt Abinante says the FDA gave emergency authorization for clinics like this.

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Doctors are learning more every day about COVID19 and what can be learned from the antibody blood test.

"The general consensus from the staff is we're running at about five to 10 percent antibodies," Abinante said, meaning five to 10 percent of those who got the serology tests were positive for COVID-19 antibodies.

The clinic will be open Saturday, but not on Easter Sunday. Patients must register online.