Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies

BLOOMINGTON — 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 for a limited time. 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 7-10 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.
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.
6/18/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 255 E. Bluff Marseilles
6/18/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., New Beginnings Baptist Church, 204 S. Monroe Streator
6/26/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sandwich American Legion/VFW, 713 S. Main Street Sandwich
7/2/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 1401 State Street Ottawa
7/2/2020: 1:45 p.m. – 6 p.m., New Beginnings Baptist Church, 204 S. Monroe Streator
7/6/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., St. Patrick Church Hall, 231 W. Atkinson Sheffield
7/7/2020: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 4th Street Peru
7/8/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Central Church of Christ, 2001 E. Main Street Streator
7/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ottawa Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1377 Adams St. Ottawa
7/16/2020: 8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., New Beginnings Baptist Church, 204 S. Monroe Streator
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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.