COVID-19 Testing Begins For Tulsa International Airport Travelers

Travelers can now get an onsite COVID-19 test at the Tulsa International Airport before boarding a flight. 

“I thought it was great. You come right in, pick up your baggage, and come right over and get tested," said Carol Chamberlin.

Chamberlin just flew into Tulsa International Airport from Maine. She's visiting her brother and 89-year-old father, and she wants to make sure she isn’t exposing them to COVID-19. 

“I checked on the website and saw that they had it here, so I said this would be the easiest way to do it," said Chamberlin. 

Test results are back within less than an hour. 

“What we’re trying to do to mitigate risk; having this option a few minutes before you get on the flight or if you have time to plan we have 24 to 48 hour option where it’s a little bit of a cheaper price, but it’s the same level of sensitivity," said Nathan Gates.

Related Story: Tulsa International Airport To Offer Travelers COVID-19 Testing

Gates is the Vice President of Alpha Medical Laboratory. He said what makes TIA'S testing different from other airports, is all the testing happens right here on site. 

“The testing platform that we do here is the same testing platform that we use in medical clinics and rural hospitals all across the country," said Gates.

People need to pay for the test right then, which is between $70 to $200 depending on which test option chosen. He said Oklahoma is one of 37 states to allow people to get a COVID-19 test without a doctor's order, which is what makes it even more convenient for travelers like Chamberlin. 

“I don’t have a doctor’s order or anything because this is for traveling. In the state of Maine, it was very difficult to find somebody who could do it without costing an arm-and-a-leg because it was travel," said Chamberlin.

Testing is being offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information CLICK HERE.