In a shift, the comprehensive coronavirus testing site TestMV will now be allowing online and same-day registration for patients, according to a press release from testing officials.

The link to register and select an appointment time is available on Island Health Care’s website, at health.questdiagnostics.com/IHC. The press release states that there is also an instantly accessible QR code that will be made available for patients coming directly to the test site.

Previously, testing registration had only been available through a call center, with most appointments needing to be scheduled multiple days in advance.

“The innovations, operational in advance of what is generally the busiest month of the year, will enable more Islanders and visitors to get tested or re-tested for the virus,” the press release said.

TestMV is a unique, public-private coronavirus testing initiative between the national testing company Quest Diagnostics and Island Health Care, a federally qualified community health center on the Island. The Island boards of health are also involved in the project.

More than 5,000 patients have been tested at the site since it opened to the public in late-May. But long wait times at the call center and the inability to schedule an immediate appointment are issues that have hampered the project.

In a paid advertisement in last week’s Gazette, TestMV thanked seven Island families for a $150,000 donation that would ostensibly allow the site to make the improvements.

The press release confirms that the donation helped make online and same-day registration a reality.

“The expansion, which included hiring additional staff to both man the test site to accommodate same-day testing and match test kits with those signing up online, was made possible by a $150,000 donation by several Island families,” the release said.

The families that donated the money are Steve and Deborah Barnes, Dan and Mary Stanton, Mimi Haas, Allen and Shelley Holt, Gene and Carol Ludwig, Brian and Aileen Roberts and Len and Harriet Schleifer.

The press release said the expanded registration options were made possible by moving to an online Quest registration system. The call center will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“This new online capability gives people multiple ways to register, make an appointment and get tested for COVID-19,” Island Health Care CEO Cynthia Mitchell said in the release. “Online won’t be for everyone, which is why we’re keeping the phone lines open, but it does add convenience and efficiency to the test site.”

There is no Portuguese-language translation available for online registration, but Portuguese-speaking agents remain available through the call center, according to the release.

For those registering online, test results will be made available through the MyQuest app, which officials have recommended downloading for faster results. Those who schedule appointments by phone will be informed of their results by text or robocall. Anyone who tests positive will receive a call from a contact tracer or their local board of health.

Same-day tests will only be available through online registration, either through booking in advance online or showing up at the site with a smartphone or online-capable device. The same-day tests will only be offered when there are open testing time slots, according to the release.

Twelve people have so far tested positive at the site, which is focusing on testing asymptomatic patients for the virus. The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital continues to test symptomatic patients and their close contacts for the virus. Testing at TestMV remains unavailable for patients under the age of 18.

Officials expressed excitement at the changes, hoping it would expand capacity and accessibility in advance of August.

“This additional sign-up option will benefit the public with a smartphone appointment system that should feel very familiar to the user and allow us to increase the number of Islanders tested every day,” said Edgartown health agent Matt Poole in the release.