The American Red Cross is now testing all blood products (whole blood, power reds, plasma, platelets) for COVID-19 antibodies beginning today (June 15, 2020). The Red Cross is offering this test to all blood donors, free of charge to the donor.
There are a few important things to note:
- This is not a diagnostic test, meaning it will not tell you if you currently have COVID-19. This test determines if you have been exposed to this coronavirus and developed antibodies.
- If you are not feeling well, have traveled to certain countries, have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 during the past 28 days, or had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 within the past 28 days, you need to wait to donate.
- Results will be delivered within 7 to 10 days through your account on redcrossblood.org or through the Blood Donor app.
- In order to be tested, you must complete a donation – that includes filling the tubes at the end of the donation because that is how the blood is tested.
- We are encouraging all donors to make an appointment at upcoming blood drives. Because of the popularity of this test, we will need to be able to practice responsible social distancing by not having too many people in one area at one time. That may mean we have to turn away walk-ins if we are full with appointments. Please promote the importance of making an appointment to your donors.
In Valentine, the next donation is July 9 from 11:30 until 5:30 pm at St. Nicholas Catholic Church Parish Hall. Contact Jeanie Cozad to make an appointment, 402-376-4715, use your Red Cross Mobile App, or go online to redcrossblood.org.