LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is once again testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

What You Need To Know

  • KBC tests donations for COVID-19 antibodies again

  • Tests expanded to donations made at mobile blood drives

  • Testing lasts through Nov. 7

This comes after KBC offered COVID-19 antibody testing for three weeks earlier this fall. While testing was initially available for donations just made at KBC donor centers, it will now include all mobile blood drives through Nov. 7.

“During the first round of testing, we saw growing interest from blood donors in finding out if they have COVID-19 antibodies,” said KBC's CEO Bill Reed. “From that initial testing, we were able to identify potential convalescent plasma donors. CCP is used to treat critically ill patients with COVID-19. By extending the testing and opening it up to mobile donors, we hope to find more people who are curious about their possible exposure to COVID-19 who also may be willing to help their neighbors in Kentucky fight this terrible pandemic.”

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.

Appointments are required, and donors should wear a face mask and feel healthy at the time of donation. Donors will receive their test results through a donor portal seven to 10 days after their donation.

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.”

Mobile blood drives can be found online.

Donations at the following KBC locations will still be tested for antibodies:

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

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