OneBlood tests donations for Covid-19 antibodies
May 18, 2020 - OneBlood is testing all donations for the Covid-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms, the nonprofit blood center said. Donors will be able to see their results about 48 hours after donating by logging into their donor portal at www.oneblood.org. The tests will provide important statistical information to public health officials, OneBlood said. Additionally, the organization will be identifying people who can be Covid-19 convalescent plasma donors. By transfusing plasma that is rich with coronavirus antibodies into a patient still fighting the virus it can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover, according to OneBlood. OneBlood began collecting and distributing COVID-19 convalescent plasma in April. OneBlood is one of the first blood centers to begin testing for the coronavirus antibody and plans to provide the antibody testing for the foreseeable future.