Blog
Red Cross blood donors Can Help patients fighting COVID-19
09.29.20
American Red Cross blood donors have a new opportunity to help patients battling this coronavirus. The plasma from whole blood donations made at any Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusion.
Previously, convalescent plasma could only be obtained through a special donation at one of more than 170 Red Cross blood donation centers across the country, but on Sept. 21, the Red Cross began secondary testing of all donations that come back positive for COVID-19 antibodies to confirm test results for donors. This means the COVID-19 antibody-positive plasma from whole blood donations may now be used for coronavirus patients.
The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to schedule an appointment, download the free Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In thanks, the Red Cross is offering a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card to five lucky winners who come to give in October. Terms and conditions apply; visit rcblood.org/unite. Additionally, those who come to give by the end of September will receive a free haircut coupon by email to participating Sport Clips Haircuts locations. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Sport-Clips.
Antibody testing may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual experienced COVID-19 symptoms. Donations are tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face-covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Photo by Dennis Drenner/American Red Cross
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.17.24 – River Jetty Restaurant Group Launches Exclusive Cabernet from Paso Robles
- 04.15.24 – OCSA Foundation Gala 2024: New York State of Mind
- 04.14.24 – Hilton Anaheim’s MIX Restaurant Welcomes New Spring Menu
- 04.14.24 – Wetzel’s Pretzels Revives ‘90s Flavors with New Orange Dream Drink
- 04.12.24 – Dover Quartet & Leif Ove Andsnes: A Stellar Night at SOKA
- 04.12.24 – The Park Club California Unveils Culinary Offerings
- 04.09.24 – Spring Soirees at Casa Romantica: Celebrate Resilience and Cultural Splendor!
- 04.09.24 – Experience the New Era of Wahoo’s: Fresh Flavors, Elevated Vibes!
- 04.08.24 – Unlock Radiant Skin with Regenerative Glow by Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- 04.07.24 – Sheraton Redding Hosts Glowing Wild Lantern Festival
- 04.04.24 – Sushi Ii Introduces Artisan Japanese Cocktails and Premium Sake Selection
- 04.04.24 – Plants & Gardens on Set: Nelson Coates Talks Film Design at Sherman Gardens
- 04.03.24 – Dakine Warehouse Sale | Starts Thursday!
- 04.03.24 – Bubblefest Extravaganza: Science and Suds at Discovery Cube OC!
- 04.01.24 – Newport Beach’s Lighthouse Café: Expanded Patio & Spring Happy Hour
- 04.01.24 – Step into Style: Pedro García’s Exclusive Appearance at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza!
- 03.27.24 – Easter Brunch Extravaganza at Outpost Kitchen
- 03.27.24 – Easter at Cafe Sevilla - Costa Mesa
- 03.25.24 – Grow With Us, Partner with Us
- 03.20.24 – ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ Reimagined: A Family Adventure at Segerstrom, April 27-28
More Daily Doses
- 04.17.24 – Tickets Now Available: Dionne Warwick Season Opener!
- 04.17.24 – Exciting Seating Options at 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar
- 04.15.24 – Showtime Hits Costa Mesa: BEETLEJUICE, The Broadway Musical Spectacle!
- 04.14.24 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten
- 04.12.24 – Free Family Earth Day Celebration at the District at Tustin Legacy!
- 04.09.24 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point - April 19-20
- 04.09.24 – Segerstrom Center Unveils Exciting 2024-25 Broadway Lineup!
- 04.08.24 – Maizano: Costa Mesa’s New Lunch & Dinner Hotspot Celebrates Mexican Cuisine
- 04.04.24 – Spring Cocktail Tour at The District - April 2024
- 04.03.24 – The 31st Annual Floral Park Home & Garden Tour
- 04.03.24 – 10th Anniversary Napa in Newport: A Decade of Wine, Philanthropy, and Hope
- 04.01.24 – U-Pick and Savor: Strawberry Season at The Ecology Center
- 03.27.24 – Easter Brunch Favorites: Beaches, Elegance & Family Fun
- 03.14.24 – Patina Restaurant Group To Debut Tiendita by Chef Carlos Gaytán
- 03.04.24 – Dizzy Bird: Lebanese Rotisserie Chicken Perfection
- 03.03.24 – Bloom into Spring 2024 at The Flower Fields
- 02.26.24 – Orange County’s Culinary Showcase: Restaurant Week
- 02.26.24 – Celebrate Leap Day with Exclusive Offers at Long Beach Eateries
- 02.23.24 – En Familia: Anaheim’s New Mexican Steakhouse Gem
- 02.20.24 – Lulus First Bridal Boutique Opens on Melrose Ave.