COLUMBUS — Beginning today and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus.
At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products.
Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, 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 within 7 to 10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to COVID-19.”
The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.
Blood is needed every day to treat patients with a variety of urgent and routine medical care. The Red Cross supports patients at nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide and 40 hospitals in Central Ohio.
Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1 to 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.* Those who give with the Red Cross in Central Ohio can also receive a buy one get one free entry coupon to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Blood drive safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing 2020-APL-00768 and face coverings for donors and staff – 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 and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 15 to 30:
CRAWFORD COUNTY
New Washington: June 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 110 South Kibler St.
Bucyrus: June 17 from noon to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 217 S. Poplar Street
Galion: June 18 from 1 to 6 p.m., Community Christian Church, 6195 State Route 19.
Bucyrus: June 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., YMCA, 1655 E. Southern Ave.
KNOX COUNTY
Gambier: June 15 from 2 to 8 p.m., Community Christian Fellowship, 23436 New Castle Road.
Danville: June 16 from 1 to 7 p.m., St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 7 W Rambo Street.
Mount Vernon: June 16 from 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, 201 N Mulberry St.
Mount Vernon: June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Memorial Building, 112 E High Street.
Mount Vernon: June 22 from noon to 6 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square.
Mount Vernon: June 23 from noon to 6 p.m., Knox Community Hospital, 1330 Coshocton Avenue.
Centerburg: June 23 from 1 to 7 p.m., Centerburg Church of Christ, 3830 Columbus Road.
Mount Vernon: June 26 from 1 to 7 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Avenue.
MORROW COUNTY
Mount Gilead: June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Morrow County Hospital, 651 West Marion Road.
Mount Gilead: June 20 from noon to 6 p.m., Candlewood Lake, 7326 State Route 19
RICHLAND COUNTY
Ontario: June 17 from 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall.
Shiloh: June 17 from 2 to 7 p.m., Planktown Country Market, 1921 Free Road.
Mansfield: June 18 from noon to 6 p.m., Tridico Sign Company, 162 North Diamond St.
Lexington: June 19 from 3 to 8 p.m., Lexington High School, 103 Clever Lane.
Mansfield: June 19 from noon to 5 p.m., YMCA, 750 Scholl Road.
Mansfield: June 21 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall.
Mansfield: June 24 from 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall
Shelby: June 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shelby Senior Center, 154 N. Gamble St.
About blood donation
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, 2020-APL-00768 before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
