The American Red Cross announces it is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donation for COVID-19 antibodies, including during a blood drive at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home Wednesday.
The testing began Monday and will continue for a limited time. The Red Cross says the testing will be done to provide donors insight into whether they have been exposed to the coronavirus. There continues to be an urgent need for blood donations, as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments requiring blood products.
Antibody testing will indicate if the donors’ immune system has produced antibodies to the 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 seven 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,” says 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.
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 through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.
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.
Red Cross blood drive and donation centers follow the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including temperature checks, social distancing 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 17-30:
Baxter County
Mountain Home
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Baxter Regional Medical Center, 624 Hospital Drive
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Monday: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Tuesday: 11:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Tuesday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 100 Western Hills Loop
6/24: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
6/25: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
6/28: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
6/29: 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
6/30: 11:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Mountain Home Blood Donation Center, 1041 Highland Circle Suite 22
Boone County
Harrison
Wednesday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Coltons Steak House, 820 U.S. Highway 62
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kum & Go, 524 U.S. Highway 62-65 S
Fulton County
Mammoth Spring
Monday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Brown’s Furniture & Appliance, 160 Main Street
Searcy County
Marshall
6/25: noon – 6 p.m., Bank OZK, 600 U.S. Highway 65
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