Testing reveals COVID-19 exposure

LifeShare center’s antibody checks find 23 cases

In its first week, LifeShare Blood Center’s COVID-19 antibody testing discovered that 23 blood donors had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

The positive test results came from more than 1,500 antibody tests of blood collected at LifeShare’s mobile drives and nine donation centers, according to a news release. Test results for about 1,000 additional donations are not yet known.

On June 1, LifeShare began offering free antibody testing with a blood donation. The service is meant to encourage blood donations and will continue through June 14.

The test detects antibodies created by the immune system in response to coronavirus infection and can indicate whether someone has been exposed, even if they have not shown COVID-19 symptoms.

“The antibody test is not intended for those who are currently experiencing coronavirus symptoms or who

believe they may currently be infected. Blood donors should be individuals who are in good health. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their physician and not attempt to donate blood,” the release stated.

If the test indicates the presence of coronavirus antibodies, the donor would be eligible to donate plasma to be used in the treatment of the most critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Recent scientific reports “support the possibility” that those who are infected but show no COVID-19 symptoms can spread the coronavirus to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(For more information, visit LifeShare.org.)