If you donate blood right now, the Red Cross will also test it for coronavirus antibodies
Want to know if you have the antibodies for the coronavirus? The American Red Cross is now helping folks find out here in Myrtle Beach when you give blood.
For the last week, when you give blood, plasma or platelets through the Red Cross in Horry County, your donation is tested to see if you have the coronavirus antibodies.
“We think it is important for everyone’s safety to have as much information as possible,” Eastern South Carolina Red Cross Director Amy Brauner said. “We are proud to offer this to donors.”
Antibody tests can show if you had the virus without knowing it and are different from coronavirus tests that let you know if you currently have COVID-19.
Antibodies are proteins that help fight off an infectious disease, according to the Centers for Disease and Control website. Testing positive for the antibodies does not mean you’re immune to coronavirus.
To find a donation center, visit redcrossblood.org/give or call 1-800-Red-Cross. Brauner said it is easiest if you set up an appointment. There is also a blood donation app that can help you set up a donation appointment and allows you to track to what region your blood goes.
You can walk in without an appointment, but that could require a long wait. You must be over the age of 16 and weigh more than 110 pounds to give.
The Red Cross has a donation center operating daily near the Krogers in Carolina Forest. Its address is 3681 Renee Drive, Myrtle Beach.
Your results come back in seven to 10 days. If you test positive for the antibodies, you can donate convalescent plasma that Brauner said will go directly to helping people fighting the virus.
“That may help save their lives,” Brauner said.
To help more people give blood and get the antibody tests, the Red Cross worked with the Federal Drug Administration to reduce the donation deferral period for sexually active gay men and people who have been to areas that have outbreaks of malaria from 12 months to three months.
