Vitalant to test all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies

PHOENIX - Arizona-based nonprofit Vitalant is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies, according to an announcement made on June 10.

The company says they are the first national blood bank to test for antibodies, and are providing the test results to successful donors.

The FDA-approved test indicates whether donor's immune system has created coronavirus antibodies regardless of whether they are symptomatic.

“While a positive antibody test does not mean that someone is immune to COVID-19, it does mean that they may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma in the future and help people with the disease,” said Cliff Numark, Vitalant’s Chief of Marketing in a statement. “Convalescent plasma can be given directly to patients currently battling COVID-19 to help boost their ability to fight their illness.”

Blood donors will not be charged for the antibody tests.

The nonprofit says they are in need of blood donations, especially from those with type O-positive, O-negative, A-negative and B-negative.

Vitalant donation locations include:

1989 W. Elliot Rd., #33, Chandler
18583 N. 59th Ave., #113, Glendale
14270 W. Indian School Rd., #C-8, Goodyear
1337 S. Gilbert Rd., #101, Mesa
5757 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix
15170 N. Hayden Rd., #6, Scottsdale

More information: www.vitalant.org/antibodytest

Coronavirus: What you need to know

Here are the need to know details about this virus.

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

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