Red Cross Testing ‘Urgently-Needed’ Blood Donations For COVID-19 Antibodies
Jun 16, 2020, 3:59 PM | Updated: 11:38 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The American Red Cross announced it will temporarily test new blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies as the need for blood donations hits a critical point.
“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,” officials said in a press release.
Officials said the antibody testing will not take the place of diagnostic testing, which is used to determine if a person is positive for the disease.
“Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms,” the release said.
The release added, “A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.” The U.S.Food & Drug Administration approved the test for emergency use.
The Red Cross also put out an urgent request for additional donations as hospitals start performing surgeries and other treatments that require blood.
The release said donations are needed so much that the Red Cross is giving away $5 Amazon gift cards through June 30 to everyone who donates.
There are dozens of donation opportunities scheduled for the rest of the month. Donors should be prepared to wear masks and follow other infection control measures.
You can schedule an appointment online at redcrossblood.org, downloading the Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.