LEXINGTON, Ky. — Donations made to the Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies through Oct. 3, part of an effort to recruit donors for convalescent plasma donation.

What You Need To Know

  • KBC donations to be tested for COVID-19 antibodies

  • Testing will go until Oct. 3

  • Part of effort to recruit plasma donations

“Testing for antibodies will help us identify donors who have COVID-19 antibodies present, whether they were symptomatic or not,” said Bill Reed, CEO of KBC. “Identifying donors with the antibodies will help us build our supply of convalescent plasma and will allow Kentucky hospitals the ability to treat COVID-19 patients for many months to come.”

Currently, there is no proven treatment for COVID-19; however, it's possible that convalescent plasma may provide antibodies to fight the virus, said KBC, which supplies blood and blood products to 70 plus hospitals in Kentucky. People who have tested positive for coronavirus or coronavirus antibodies may be eligible to donate 14 to 28 days after their symptoms resolve.

Back in March, KBC was the first community blood center to collect convalescent plasma from a recovered patient for transfusion to an ill COVID-19 patient. Since then, nearly 200 donors have provided plasma donations through KBC to over 70 Kentucky hospitals.

“Blood products donated at KBC are used to treat Kentucky patients battling all kinds of circumstances,” said Mandy Brajuha, vice president for external relations. “By donating at one of our donor centers during this time period, people can immediately impact the lives of their neighbors through that initial donation and if they prove to have COVID-19 antibodies, they can potentially help yet again by donating convalescent plasma.”

Those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered can join a registry if they're interested in donating.

Donations made at the following KBC locations will be tested: