Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center donors find out if they have antibodies from novel coronavirus
GULF COAST REGION—Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
The COVID-19 antibody test will show if a donor’s immune system has responded to the virus by producing antibodies. Most people who have antibodies will have had some symptoms of the disease, such as fever, cough, or trouble breathing, but some may have antibodies even though they never had symptoms.
COVID-19 antibody testing is free and will be performed in addition to the standard infectious disease testing all blood donations received. It is only available to those who have made a successful donation.
The Blood Center is using the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Test. This test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under an Emergency Use Authorization, which means it can be used only during the time of the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
This test is authorized by the FDA only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-Co V-2 and is not intended for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Additionally, those who test positive may be asked to come back and give convalescent plasma. Antibodies present in convalescent plasma might help others fight the infection.
To protect staff and fellow donors, The Blood Center urges anyone who believes they are currently infected with the virus to wait until they are fully recovered to schedule an appointment to give.
Blood donations are needed consistently throughout the year to serve patients in area hospitals. Visit giveblood.org for more information or contact our Donor Advocates at cs@giveblood.org or (713)791-6608.
The Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood components 24/7 to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is a nonprofit organization and is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration. For more information or to help save lives, visit giveblood.org.
