Blood donors get free antibody test at Red Cross sites

The American Red Cross has begun testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

“During these uncertain times, the Red Cross hopes that testing for COVID-19 antibodies will provide its valued donors insight into whether they may have been exposed to this coronavirus,” said Red Cross officials in a press release announcing the program.

The antibody test is authorized by the FDA and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual has developed symptoms, according to the Red Cross. For the next few months, Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory, where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

There is an urgent need for blood donations right now, to meet the needs of patients in hospitals as surgical procedures and treatments that were temporarily paused earlier the spring in response to COVID-19 resume, according to the Red Cross. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled, as many businesses and community organizations restrict the number of individuals at their locations creating challenges for a stable blood supply.

To schedule an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within seven to 10 days through our Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

To ensure the health of staff and donors, precautions include:

• Checking temperatures of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy.
• Providing hand sanitizer for use before entering the drives, as well as throughout the donation process.
• Following social distancing between donors including entry, donation and refreshment areas.
• Ensuring face masks or coverings are worn by both staff and donors.
• Routinely disinfecting surfaces, equipment and donor-touched areas.

All donors June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.

In most states, individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.