Red Cross offers free COVID-19 antibody testing

The Red Cross to provide free COVID-19 antibody testing with all donationsThe American Red Cross will be testing all incoming blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time amid recent blood shortage. The tests, which will be provided at no cost throughout the summer months, are given to help donors assess whether they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The test measures for the antibodies formed when the immune system responds to an infection inside the body. The antibody test is not used to detect a current infection of the virus, and the Red Cross strongly advises for donors to postpone their donations if they feel unwell. A positive antibody test may indicate that a donor has previously been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, and that their immune system has already responded. There is currently little information on the benefit of these antibodies. "At this time, it is unknown if the antibodies that result from a COVID-19 infection will provide someone with immunity from a future coronavirus infection," the American Red Cross website explains. A negative antibody test indicates that the donor has not been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, or that the amount of antibodies in the blood was below the test's detection threshold. The Red Cross also explains that the antibody test is specific to COVID-19, and will not result in a positive when in the presence of antibodies from another coronavirus. All successful donations will be screened for free using the antibody test. A donor's results will be available 7-10 days after their donation via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.The Northern Ohio Communications Manager, Christina Peters, explains that the Red Cross already tests donations for many different diseases and measurements. "The COVID-19 test is just another one we'll add to the list," she says. The Red Cross warns of the increased need for blood as hospitals begin to resume many routine operations while still battling coronavirus. The U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, has spoken out to emphasize the importance of donating during the fight against COVID-19. "You can still go out and give blood. We're worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement," Adams explains in a Red Cross press release. Peters expresses that northern Ohio is not an exception, and that donations given in seneca county will help save lives in our own communities."We meet local needs first, and northern Ohio needs 500 pints of blood every single day," she says.Donors are required to wear a face covering or mask during the extent of their appointment. Masks will be available if a donor does not bring their own.Appointments to give blood can be made on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org/give or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-733-27677.