An Alabama-based private lab was granted approval Thursday to begin testing for the novel coronavirus and will take samples at drive-thru locations in Vestavia Hills and Bessemer.

Assurance Scientific Laboratories, based in Vestavia Hills, said in a statement that it is currently accepting patient samples to test for the virus, known as COVID-19, and that testing results would be available within four hours.

The lab will be capable of running 10,000 samples a week “with room for increased volume, as needed,” the company said. Alabama’s chief health officer said Thursday that 50 patients have been tested for the virus throughout the state and that there are no confirmed cases yet.

“I’m proud of the tireless effort our lab put into expediting the delivery of the COVID-19 testing. It was evident that our team was on a mission to do our part,” said Mary Beth Minyard, director of microbiology at Assurance. “I’m sure physicians across the state will be relieved there is now an Alabama-based commercial lab that can offer this rapid testing for their patients. No one wants this spreading any quicker than it already has."

Assurance was granted approval to test for COVID-19 under the FDA’s emergency use authorization, the company said.

Tests can be ordered by healthcare providers through the company’s website, email at clientservices@assurancescientific.com or phone number at 855-319-4459. Patients who do not have a doctor’s order for a coronavirus test can go to either drive-thru location where Assurance “will have a provider available ... to assess individuals and determine testing needs.”

The drive-thru locations -- at 2868 Acton Rd. in Vestavia Hills and 727 Memorial Drive in Bessemer -- were created by Assurance because healthcare professionals were concerned about exposure to the virus in clinics and waiting rooms.