American Red Cross Will Test All Blood Donations for COVID-19 Antibodies

The American Red Cross has begun testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. During these uncertain times, the Red Cross hopes that testing for COVID-19 antibodies will provide its valued donors insight into whether they may have been exposed to this coronavirus. The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms. For the next few months, Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory, where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. “As a humanitarian organization and member of the broader health community, the Red Cross has adapted our services to help meet the needs of this extraordinary time,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We recognize that individuals and public health https://www.technologynetworks.com/diagnostics/news/american-red-cross-will-test-all-blood-donations-for-covid-19-antibodies-336173?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=89693272&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9YKytTbten0jApY3th8_BUQqsMghM-TZUC6tckLgr1dVgVsCTnk5PzYnOLrGIcHM2U7TmZ65VlsFZh6xCwoeHOHABkSg&utm_content=89693272&utm_source=hs_email