Red Cross testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies

Donor antibody levels may indicate ability to help some patients fighting coronavirus

√ $10 Fanatics e-gift card, chance at trip to 2022 MLB All-Star Game for donors in March

Information provided by the American Red Cross

For a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for coronavirus antibodies. Plasma from routine donations that have high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.

At the same time, the Red Cross said its blood supply “remains vulnerable, and individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply so hospital patients can receive the care they need.”

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross first tested donations for coronavirus antibodies earlier in the pandemic to provide convalescent plasma for patients. When infection rates decreased and new treatment options became available, the Red Cross discontinued the program.

A press release said, “With the surge of new variants, hospitals began to seek out more treatments for their most vulnerable patients, and new clinical trial data has shown that convalescent plasma may benefit immunocompromised patients. The Red Cross is resuming this program to ensure doctors have every tool available to support treatment.”

How It Works

Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus following vaccination or infection, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available one to two weeks after donation in the Red Cross blood donor app or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.

Thanking All-Star Donors in March

All who come to give blood or platelets in March will get a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, donors will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles when they come to give in March. The package includes two tickets to 2022 MLB All-Star Saturday, the 2022 Home Run Derby, and the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, four-night hotel accommodations (July 16-20), plus a $750 gift card for expenses. Details are available at rcblood.org/team.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, March 16-31:

Amherst

• March 16: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
• March 19: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
• March 23: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
• March 25: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
• March 30: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

Buffalo

• March 16: 1-6 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

Grand Island

• March 22: 1-6 p.m., Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Road

Lewiston

• March 28: 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N. Sixth St.

Lockport

• March 22: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.
• March 23: 1-6 p.m., Moose Lodge No. 617, 204 Monroe St.

Newfane

• March 28: 1-6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St.

Niagara Falls

• March 21: 1-6 p.m., Cristoforo Colombo Society, 2223 Pine Ave.

Wilson

• March 22: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilson High School Library, 412 Lake St.

Youngstown

• March 29: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Youngstown Firehall, 625 Third St.

Blood Drive Safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows a high level of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Save Time During Donation

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the predonation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross blood donor app.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.