RICHMOND, Va. -- The Red Cross is urging Central Virginians to donate blood during the COVID-19 crisis and will test blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time.
An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood, which are formed when fighting an infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune system has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present, according to The Red Cross. The COVID-19 antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.
For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to donors.
"Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, including COVID-19. If you feel unwell for any reason, please postpone your donation. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 28 days and feeling well and healthy."
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the Richmond region:
Bon Secours Richmond Health System
8565 Magellan Parkway, Suite 900
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
U-TURN Sports Performance Academy
2101 Maywill Street Thursday,
July 9, 2020
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Woodfin Heating Inc.
1823 N Hamilton St,
Friday July 10, 2020
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
