Blood Donors In Phoenix Can Get Free Coronavirus Antibody Tests

PHOENIX, AZ — It is like a reward program, but a new effort by Phoenix-based Vitalent will reward blood donors with something that could be even more valuable than airline miles or gift cards: Their coronavirus antibody status.

This week, Vitalent announced that it has begun testing all blood donations for coronavirus antibodies, which are essentially remnants of the battle fought against the disease by the body's immune system. While a positive antibody test can indicate that someone previously contracted the virus, there's nothing we can say conclusively beyond that —not without further research.

What this means for blood donors, however, is knowledge about their contact with coronavirus in the past. In a statement, Vitalent emphasized that antibody tests are not the same thing as a test that confirms current infection.

"If you are feeling unwell, please do not donate blood," the statement added.

Antibodies start developing one to three weeks after infection, according to Centers for Disease Control, which cautions that people who test positive for coronavirus antibodies should follow its recommendations on social distancing and person-to-person contact.

But identifying donors with coronavirus antibodies could be critically important. Even while doctors are left with incomplete picture of the antibodies' potential uses, Vitalent noted that donors who test positive may be eligible to donate "convalescent plasma" that some doctors are using to help seriously ill patients recover from coronavirus infection.

There's also the matter of a critical shortage in Arizona blood banks.

"Every single day in our state, approximately 600 blood donors are needed," Vitalant spokeswoman Sue Thew told KJZZ earlier this month.

The Vitalent website "strongly" recommends donors make appointments before visiting clinics. More information on the process and a detailed Q&A on antibody testing can be found here.

Vitalent's blood donor centers are located at:

• 757 N. Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix
• 15170 N. Hayden Road, Suite 6 in Scottsdale
• 1337 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 101 in Mesa
• 14270 W. Indian School Road, Suite C8 in Goodyear
• 18583 N. 59th Ave., Suite 113 in Glendale
• 1989 W. Elliot Road, Suite 32 in Chandler