Jacksonville — With COVID cases on the upswing, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, a nonprofit blood bank, has reinstated testing for COVID 19 antibodies.
Patients must be fully recovered from COVID for at least two weeks to be eligible to tested. Eligible patients then donate convalescent plasma - which contains antibodies - to help those struggling to battle the virus.
Karen Patterson, Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth described the situation as an emergency as communities in Northeast Florida struggle from the surge in cases.
“Our hospitals are going through convalescent plasma daily,” she said. “For those who receive the plasma, recovery can be quick. For some, it’s like a miracle. Patients feel like themselves the next day.”
Patterson added that although recovery varies from patient to patient, the instant transfusion of antibodies helps patients create their own antibodies to combat the virus.
According to LifeSouth, positive antibody tests can indicate exposure, recovery and/or virus immunity. The antibody test is not a diagnostic test used for COVID testing. Healthy blood donors must complete the recommended CDC quarantine guidelines. There is no deferral period for donors who have received the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
“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.
Patterson stressed that the infusion process was “absolutely not” a replacement for getting vaccinated. She also said that testing is not contingent on when vaccinations were administered.
To donate blood or convalescent plasma, visit www.lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707 to schedule an appointment.
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