For a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies to help identify donations that can be processed into convalescent plasma
On March 7, the American Red Cross resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, for a limited time, to identify potential donations that can be processed into convalescent plasma. New clinical trial data shows that patients with immunosuppressive disease or those receiving immunosuppressive treatments may benefit from convalescent plasma with high-levels of COVID-19 antibodies and has led to renewed hospital interest in this product.
The Red Cross is using the Ortho VITROS® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Quantitative Test that is available through FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This test is specific to COVID-19, to detect antibodies either from past exposure to the virus, regardless of whether an individual experienced symptoms, or from having received a COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to note, the Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose infection, referred to as a diagnostic test. Test results shared by the Red Cross indicates if COVID-19 antibodies are detected, and further if the level of antibodies is high enough to meet FDA requirements for production of convalescent plasma. Results are not indicative of an individual’s potential immunity against any given variant of the virus. At this time, the Red Cross is not recruiting donors specifically for dedicated apheresis convalescent plasma donation as it has done in the past. For more information please visit: RedCrossBlood.org/antibodytesting.
Thank you, blood donors, for helping restock hospital shelves
The Red Cross is grateful to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who rolled up a sleeve to help alleviate the first Red Cross blood crisis over the past couple of months. While the generosity of so many blood donors has helped to restock hospital shelves for the time being, the blood supply remains vulnerable.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood – a patient battling cancer, a car accident victim, or a parent experiencing a difficult childbirth. Donated blood has a limited shelf-life so supplies must be continuously replenished to ensure a sufficient inventory of blood products. It’s critical that eligible individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation to help ensure patients get the care they need.
Individuals are urged to make and keep blood and platelet donation appointments to ensure the needs of hospital patients are met. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.