Bloodworks Northwest, a nonprofit organization that provides blood supply and developing research in the Pacific Northwest region, announced that they will test all whole blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies this February. The purpose of this initiative is to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in the community and identify potential convalescent plasma donors, whose antibodies may help other patients suffering from COVID-19.
If you donate blood with Bloodworks Northwest during February, you will automatically receive a confidential report about your COVID-19 antibody status. This information will be used solely for research and cannot be used as a diagnostic test. Bloodworks Northwest encourages individuals who have already recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated to donate blood to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
The Malaia Whole Blood Test is a serological test that detects the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in the blood. Unlike a PCR test that confirms the presence of live virus in the body, a serology test only detects the immune response to a previous infection. Antibodies are produced by the body's immune system as a response to an infection, and these antibodies may remain in the blood even after the viral infection has cleared.
Convalescent plasma therapy is a form of treatment that uses antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients to help others fight the virus. Plasma from a patient who has recovered from COVID-19 may contain high levels of antibodies that can neutralize the virus and boost the immune response of the recipient. Convalescent plasma therapy has been authorized by the FDA for emergency use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Bloodworks Northwest collects over 800 units of blood each day and serves more than 90 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. The organization has been in operation for over 75 years and relies on the generosity of donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. Blood donation is a safe and easy process that can save lives and improve health outcomes for patients in need.
By testing all whole blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies, Bloodworks Northwest hopes to identify potential convalescent plasma donors and gather information about the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in the community. This initiative is an example of how blood donation can serve as a valuable resource for public health research and improve our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, if you are eligible to donate blood and live in the Pacific Northwest, consider making a donation to Bloodworks Northwest this February. Your donation can help save lives and contribute to ongoing research to combat COVID-19. With the Malaia Whole Blood Test, you can learn about your COVID-19 antibody status and potentially become a convalescent plasma donor. Join the fight against COVID-19 and donate blood today.