Blood Donors in Critical Need, Get Free Antibody Test and Amazon Gift Card
My good friend Amy donated blood a few weeks ago. She was showing me how the Red Cross app works and showed me that she even got antibody results. She has not had a vaccine, and tested negative for Covid when her and her husband were sick about six months ago, but antibodies are clearly showing up in her blood. As someone who is not jumping in line to get the vaccine, it had me curious. Do I have the antibodies and don't know it? I quickly made an appointment with the red cross to donate blood.
Here is some information from The American Red Cross website regarding the antibody testing. "The American Red Cross is testing all blood product donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from antibody-positive blood donations may be used to help current coronavirus patients in need. Results may indicate a donor’s potential past exposure to this coronavirus – regardless of whether they experienced symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine."
"If your antibody test result is positive, the plasma from your blood donation may be processed into a convalescent plasma product to help patients battling the virus. Whatever your antibody testing result, your blood donation is critical to helping save lives. You may also be contacted about participating in research studying those individuals with positive results."
Today was my appointment and it was smooth as could be. I was in and out in under 30 minutes. As far as the antibodies though, I have to wait a week, or two until the results show up on my app. The blood bank really needs more donations. They even have a $5 Amazon gift card incentive if you donate before May 15th. They are nearing critical low in the Treasure Valley. Please help and donate if you are able.