COVID-19 Antibody Test For Donating Blood, Platetets or Plasma

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

The American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Results may indicate a donor’s potential past exposure to this coronavirus – regardless of whether they experienced symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

What is the Antibody Test?

An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood, which are formed when fighting an infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune system has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present. The COVID-19 antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donors who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may have the unique opportunity to help patients fighting the disease. Learn more about convalescent plasma donations.

Please note the Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, including COVID-19. If you feel unwell for any reason, please postpone your donation. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 14 days and feeling well and healthy.

See Your Results

The results of your antibody test will be available by logging in to your Blood Donor account on the Blood Donor App or online within one to two weeks after your donation. You can also find the results of your mini-physical, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and hemoglobin levels. Antibody testing is performed on all donations made on or after June 15, 2020.

Log in to your donor account on RedCrossBlood.org or the Blood Donor App to see your test results.

Note: The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test, and a positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity; a positive antibody test indicates potential prior exposure to the virus.

What Do Your Results Mean

The Red Cross tests every blood donation for a variety of infections. All blood, platelet and plasma donations on or after June 15, 2020 will also be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

Donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a laboratory where samples will undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing.

If your antibody test result is positive, the plasma from your blood donation may be processed into a convalescent plasma product to help patients battling the virus. Whatever your antibody testing result, your blood donation is critical to helping save lives. You may also be contacted about participating in research studying those individuals with positive results.

What To Know About COVID-19 Antibody Testing

What is the COVID-19 antibody test?

An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are formed when fighting infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune systems has responded to the infection, not if the virus is currently present.

Specifically, the COVID-19 antibody test used by the Red Cross is available through Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Test results may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.

What’s the difference between a diagnostic test and an antibody test?

A diagnostic test detects current infection. An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are formed when fighting infection, like COVID-19. An antibody test assesses whether your immune systems has responded to the infection, not if the virus or infection is currently active.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test, and positive antibody test results do not confirm infection or immunity; a positive antibody test indicates potential exposure to the virus. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not present to donate until they are symptom free for 14 days.

Do donors need to have a successful donation to receive an antibody test result?

Yes. Donors will need to have a successful donation to receive COVID-19 antibody results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to our laboratory for testing.

How long will the Red Cross be antibody testing?

The Red Cross plans to test blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies through the end of May. We will assess whether or not to extend this date further as we continue to plan and respond to evolving challenges on the pandemic.

Blood Donation and Safety Protocols

Wear a Mask

In accordance with CDC guidelines, all donors are required to wear a face covering or mask. Valve face masks are not permitted. Face shields are permitted but must be worn with a face mask.

Social Distancing

All blood drives follow social distancing guidelines, including spacing out donor beds, waiting and refreshment areas.

Temperature Check

All donors and staff have their temperatures checked prior to entering a blood drive or donation center.

The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Learn our enhanced blood donation safety protocols »

Are you a new blood donor? Sign up to receive COVID-19 and blood donation information »

COVID-19 Antibody Testing Partners

Thank you to our generous partners for their support of our COVID-19 antibody testing initiative.

Ready to Help Save a Life?

Your blood donation can help save a life. Please schedule an appointment to donate today.