The generous souls who donate blood at LifeStream blood banks will now also have their donated blood tested for COVID-19 antibodies, effective immediately. Reporter Heather Clisby has the details …
Amidst a global pandemic, LifeStream blood bank donor centers and mobile drives are testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. LifeStream is not providing tests for the virus itself but is only testing blood that is being donated. The process will reveal individuals who may have been exposed to the virus or actually had COVID-19 in the past.
Authorized by the FDA, the antibody tests are one of many infectious disease tests that LifeStream performs on collected blood donations.
The antibodies are being collected with the possibility that they may have immune-boosting properties – “convalescent plasma” – that could be used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients. Donors can view their COVID-19 antibody testing results online approximately two weeks after donation.
All LifeStream staff and donors must adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures, including face coverings, social distancing, temperature checks and COVID-19 symptoms check. To make an appointment, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.
