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Oklahoma Blood Institute performed antibody testing earlier in the pandemic, beginning in July 2020 and extending through May of this year.
September 27, 2021 (OKLAHOMA CITY) ─ In the face of rising cases across
the state, Oklahoma Blood Institute is relaunching its COVID-19 antibody
testing program. The test will provide donors an additional piece of
health information, similar to the existing health screenings typically
provided to all donors.
Discovering if an individual had a previously-unknown COVID-19 infection
is beneficial in the event of future health concerns.
OBI uses an IgG antibody test created by Abbott, which measures antibodies
from natural COVID infection and the antibodies produced as a result. The
test will not measure the vaccine response, which is created through a
different mechanism.
"Knowledge has always been power, especially as it relates to our health,"
said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.
"We're proud to bring this needed testing back to our donors to provide as
more knowledge so they can make better informed decisions about their
health."
Oklahoma Blood Institute performed antibody testing earlier in the
pandemic, beginning in July 2020 and extending through May of this year.
During that initial testing period, nearly 300,000 tests were completed,
with a 16 percent positivity rate.
In addition to the COVID-19 antibody results, blood donors also receive
information on blood pressure, cholesterol and Hemoglobin A1c.
The blood supply in Oklahoma – as with the rest of the nation – remains at
critical levels, as demand for blood products continues to soar and donors
are not yet back at pre-pandemic giving levels. Blood is needed every two
seconds and has no substitute.
Donating blood takes about an hour and can save the lives of up to three
local patients.
Oklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in more than
160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.
More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental
permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds
must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required. While supplies last.
Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for
COVID-19 antibodies. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It
has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization)
for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for
the detection of the antibody IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any
other viruses or pathogens. Test results will be made available
post-donation on the donor portal.