OneBlood testing all donations for coronavirus antibodies

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There’s another good reason to give blood. If you donate blood at OneBlood you can find out whether you have antibodies to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

It’s a quick and easy process and only takes about 45 minutes.

OneBlood collects about one bag of blood for its donation.

You won’t get your results right away: it usually takes 48 hours to find out whether you have the antibody.

OneBlood is one of the first blood centers to begin testing for the coronavirus antibody.

The test has been authorized by the FDA to show whether or not your body produces antibodies to the virus, even if you’ve never shown symptoms.

"Found out about it this morning and I think that’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to hearing the results," said Ken Neikirk, a blood donor.

Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon donated blood this morning and got tested for the COVID-19 antibody at OneBlood’s Beach Boulevard location.

After you make an appointment, you’ll come to a testing site or mobile location and take a mini physical.

They’ll ask a number of questions and check your blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin.

After you’ve been cleared you can begin the donation process.

The blood collected will go back to OneBlood’s laboratory.

There’s no cure for the coronavirus yet, however donors will learn whether or not they can be convalescent plasma donors to help treat COVID-19 patients fighting the virus.

"By transfusing plasma that is rich with the virus antibodies into patients still fighting the virus, it can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover," said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.

If you do test positive for the antibody, OneBlood will contact you and ask whether you would like to donate more plasma to help COVID-19 patients.

"Doctors are turning to convalescent plasma to help treat critically-ill coronavirus patients, so by identifying more people with the antibody it will only further ensure that a ready supply of convalescent plasma is available at all times," Forbes said.

To donate, find a blood donation center here.

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