OneBlood to test donations for antibodies
People can find out if they had been infected
People who donate blood through OneBlood, the nonprofit known for its traveling Big Red Bus blood centers, can now also find out if they have antibodies for the new coronavirus.
OneBlood announced Monday it will test all blood donations for the antibody, which could indicate that a person had been previously infected by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, even if they never experienced symptoms. The antibody typically shows up on a test about one to two weeks after the person had the virus, said Susan Forbes, spokeswoman for OneBlood.
The test is being done in addition to other infectious disease screens already performed on blood donations. The organization hopes the antibody tests will help identify more people who can donate their antibody-rich plasma — called convalescent plasma — to coronavirus patients.
“By transfusing plasma that is rich with coronavirus antibodies into a patient still fighting the virus it can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover,” a news release from OneBlood states.
Antibody test results will be available online about 48 hours after donation.
The organization hopes data captured from the tests will help state health officials make decisions about when and how to reopen the economy, Forbes said in the release.
“OneBlood is working closely with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees M.D., to provide de-identified data on the number of people testing positive and the geographical location,” she said in a statement.
Blood donations to OneBlood have remained steady despite changes in social behaviors during the pandemic, according to Forbes.
People are still making appointments online, which is the only option now that walk-ins are no longer accepted.
“We’re doing well, people are responding. And with elective surgeries now back on, the blood supply is back to normal usage and that requires a steady flow of people coming in,” Forbes said. “… People are continuing to make those appointments, and that’s what’s really key here, is that you can’t just walk in anymore to donate blood, because of social distancing.”
Those who want to donate can make an appointment online at oneblood.org or call 1-888-936-6283.