SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The San Diego Blood Bank will test all blood donations for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from now through the end of July.
The blood bank says it will use those test results to help identify people who can donate convalescent plasma. Donors who test positive for antibodies will be able to donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma the next time they donate.
The plasma can then be used to treat coronavirus patients.
The test will be able to detect if a person's immune system has developed COVID-19 antibodies, whether or not the person showed symptoms. It will not detect if a person has an active infection or recent exposure to someone who is infected.
To donate, donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh 114 pounds, and be in overall good health.
The blood bank says the test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. All reactive and nonreactive results will be reported to the California Department of Public Health. Blood donors should receive their results in their online blood bank wellness portal 7-10 days after the donation.
Potential donors must make an appointment at www.sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or call 619-400-8251.
TO LEARN MORE