Breckenridge Rotary Club to host blood drive on Thursday; COVID-19 antibodies test included
Local residents will have a chance to donate blood and find out if they have COVID-19 antibodies in their blood at the upcoming blood drive sponsored by the Rotary Club of Breckenridge.
The blood drive is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in First National Bank’s Community Room, and will be conducted by Carter BloodCare.
All blood donated during the blood drive will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. According to the Carter BloodCare website, “The test is an indicator of someone’s exposure to coronavirus, but is not an indicator of immunity to COVID-19.“
Information on the Carter BloodCare website explains that the plasma from recovered patients is called convalescent plasma and it is being transfused to treat COVID-19. The convalescent plasma contains antibodies that are believed to help fight the virus. Those whose blood tests positive for the COVID-19 antibodies might be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, as well.
The antibodies test does not test for the actual coronavirus itself. The test indicates whether or not a person’s body has produced antibodies against the virus.
For more details about the antibodies testing and convalescent plasma donation, visit the Carter BloodCare website. Also, more details are available in the Breckenridge Texan’s previous article, Blood drive donations are now tested for COVID-19 antibodies, used in treatment.
Additionally, those donating blood on Thursday will receive a gift from McDonald’s restaurants.
For more details about the local blood drive, call Les or Sherry Strickland at 254-522-1959.
