The need for blood doesn’t take a break during the holidays, and the American Red Cross is urging service members, veterans, their families and all those who are feeling well to give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets.
According to a Red Cross release, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States. Hospitals need donations of all blood types so shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.
“As COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also grown,” the Red Cross states.
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The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms.
Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies, according to the release.
“These tests may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions,” the release reads.
Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation that is collected from COVID-19 survivors who have antibodies that may help patients actively fighting the virus. Learn more about convalescent plasma and sign up to give here.
COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal.
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“A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test,” according to the release.
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone donation.
Those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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