The Red Cross is stepping up efforts to help COVID-19 patients. The agency currently tests blood donations for coronavirus antibodies and spokesperson Ronnika McFall says the agency is changing its procedures, but nothing changes from the donors’ perspective.
“Before, we were only screening for antibodies, just to inform the community. Now, we're going to do a second test, and if that test is positive, then we are going to use the plasma from that whole blood donation to help current coronavirus patients. The biggest difference is how the Red Cross can do a second screening.”
Earlier donors could only donate convalescent plasma at 170 centers around the nation, now any blood drive or donation center can take part.
Those with confirmed positive tests, but are now healthy, can make appointments to donate their convalescent plasma now.
“If you have a confirmed COVID-19 test and you are healthy and feeling well, and just want to donate convalescent plasma, you can visit RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid, and you can sign up to be a donor that way.”
The organization is not testing for current infections, just for antibodies in blood in order to donate that positive plasma to current coronavirus patients.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) to donate.
