The Doctor's Office in Merrick offers Covid-19 antibody testing

The Doctor's Office is now offering Covid-19 antibody testing at its facility on Merrick Avenue, according to an email sent to patients Friday.

In his daily briefing Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said widespread testing, including antibody blood sampling, is needed to better track the infection rate and assure people that they are safe when returning to their workplaces.

Antibody testing, conducted via blood test, will be administered to patients on a first come, fist served basis, the email read. No appointment is necessary, but, "demand will be large and there will likely be some wait."

"Any one can get tested, even if you are not an existing patient or do not have insurance that we take," said Dr. Mark Haltrecht. "If we do not accept your insurance it will cost about $150 for the test."

Haltrecht added that the practice will begin offering fingerstick antibody testing once supplies arrive "sometime next week."

The Doctor's Office is at 389 Merrick Ave. in Merrick. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (516) 867-5132, or visit thedoctorsofficeny.com.