American Red Cross Releases a Set of Interactive Maps Depicting Results of COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Healthy Donors

As the number of COVID-19 cases have continued to rise, the American Red Cross has also seen a  growing number of COVID-19 antibody test screens from blood, platelet, and plasma donors. The screening efforts provide insight into whether donors have been exposed to this coronavirus throughout the pandemic, while also enabling the distribution of convalescent plasma to ensure patients have access to lifesaving treatment.

Since the Red Cross started antibody testing on June 15, 2020, the data has been incorporated into a new set of interactive maps that depict regional, statewide, and residential statistics on the number of healthy, donors that have shown COVID-19 antibodies in each of the U.S.’s four U.S. census regions.

These maps showing antibody results from healthy individuals are not representative of the general population. They focus only on results from Red Cross blood donors. In addition, COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors are not included in these maps. Also, the antibody test is not a diagnostic test – a reactive result on a donation from a healthy individual does not indicate current infection or presence of the virus.

To view the percentage and number of healthy donors with COVID-19 antibodies by state, hover and click on the state. Once you have selected the state, you will be able to see the percentage of donors with test results indicating a presence of COVID-19 antibodies (labeled as 1. Percent Reactive) along with the total number of donors that contribute to the percentage (labeled as 2. Reactive). You can also see the total number of donors (labeled as 3. Total) in the state. Keep in mind that while these donors tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies when they donated, antibodies will leave their system over time.

As the number of positive antibody test screens increases, this map with pins on each zip code will “cluster” zip code areas.

To view the data for the heat map with zip code pins, click on the specific marker to bring up the information. Zip codes that have multiple reactive results have an arrow on the top left that can show you date-specific information among other data points.

An antibody test screens for antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are formed when the human immune system fights an infection. An antibody test can indicate whether your immune system has responded to an earlier infection in the past, not if the virus is currently present. Antibody results may change over time, so a positive antibody result at one point in time doesn’t necessarily indicate immunity or that future antibody results will also be positive. The COVID-19 antibody test, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may indicate if the blood donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether symptoms were developed. Please keep in mind that the presence of antibodies in your blood does not mean you are immune to COVID-19. The data on this pandemic is very new, and our knowledge continues to expand and evolve every day.

The Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. As part of this effort. Standard whole blood donations made at any Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center are critical in this effort. Donors who have had COVID-19 are urged to donate whole blood as soon as they’re fully recovered and eligible to give. plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be processed into a convalescent plasma product to help patients battling this virus. Standard whole blood donations made at any Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center are critical in this effort. Donors who have had COVID-19 are urged to donate whole blood as soon as they’re fully recovered and eligible to give.

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