LifeSouth is once again testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
The blood bank says hospitals in Northeast Florida are clamoring for convalescent plasma which is used to treat patients with the coronavirus.
Antibody testing will determine if a blood donor has been exposed to the virus and has developed some immunity to it.
Healthy blood donors who may have been exposed to or recovered from COVID-19 are asked to donate as soon as they have completed the recommended CDC quarantine guidelines.
There is no deferral period for donors who have received the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. As part of the normal blood donation process, a test will be performed on the donor’s blood to determine if antibodies are present in the plasma.
“Local hospitals and patients need the community’s support every day — and especially now, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Donating blood and convalescent plasma is one of the fastest and most impactful ways to help our neighbors in this public health emergency,” said Dr. Chris Lough, Vice President of Medical Services for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in an email sent to WJCT News.
LifeSouth serves hospitals in Florida, Georgia and Alabama; including a number here in the Jacksonville area.
Donation locations and more information is available at lifesouth.org or by calling 888-795-2707 to schedule an appointment.
Contact reporter Cyd Hoskinson at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6351 and on Twitter at @cydwjctnews.