Donors To Receive Free Antibody Tests At San Diego Blood Bank

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Blood Bank announced Monday that it will test all blood donations for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the virus that causes COVID-19, through the end of July. The blood bank will use the results of the tests to help identify potential convalescent plasma donors.

The antibody test detects if a person's immune system has developed antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, regardless of whether he or she showed symptoms. However, it's not a diagnostic test and will not detect active infections or recent exposure.

Donors who are found positive for SARS-CoV-2 will be able to donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma the next time they donate. The plasma is being used to treat coronavirus patients in critical condition.

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The test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. Per state law, all reactive and nonreactive test results will be reported to the California Department of Public Health. Donors will receive results in their blood bank online wellness portal 7 to 10 days after donation.

The San Diego Blood Bank is a nonprofit that serves hospitals in San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Los Angeles counties with blood transfusion products and reference laboratory services. Appointments are required for all blood donations.

To be eligible to donate blood, a prospective donor must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health. To make an appointment, call 619-400-8251 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org/donate.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In San Diego County: Latest News