Bloodworks NW to test all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies

All Bloodworks NW blood donations will be tested for coronavirus antibodies, the blood bank announced Monday.

All blood given between now and Sept. 30 will undergo antibody testing; the testing will also identify people who may be able to donate to the convalescent plasma program which can help current COVID-19 patients.

The test will show if the donor’s immune system produced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to coronavirus, regardless of whether the person ever showed symptoms. Tests results typically come back within two weeks; donors with positive results will receive follow-up contact from Bloodworks to determine if they can make a convalescent plasma donation to further help patients.

Bloodworks is currently accepting donations by appointment only at any Donor Center or Pop-Up location. The antibody test will not determine if a person is actively infected, and only donors who are feeling healthy and who meet donation eligibility should donate.