TAMPA, Fla. — Finding out if you have the COVID-19 antibody is now as simple as donating blood.
What You Need To Know
- Results available in 48-72 hours
- All donors required to make an appointment
- Appointments can be made online at www.oneblood.org
- More coronavirus stories
OneBlood is now testing all whole blood donations for the coronavirus antibody.
According to the blood center, the antibody test is authorized by the FDA and will show whether the donor’s immune system has produced the antibodies, regardless of if they ever had symptoms.
“The COVID-19 antibody test will be performed in addition to standard infectious disease testing that all blood donations receive,” explained OneBlood Senior Vice President Susan Forbes.
For donors, the process is no different than the typical blood donation. In 48-72 hours, donors can log onto their donor portal to see if they tested positive for the antibody.
“The testing brings many benefits," Forbes explained. "In addition to donors learning if they have the antibody, OneBlood will be identifying additional people who can be COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors."
Convalescent plasma can help critically ill coronavirus patients better fight the disease.
Due to social distancing measures that OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment to donate. Appointments can be made online at www.oneblood.org or by calling 1-888-9DONATE.
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