Any blood drives in your area?

Locally we're having a blood drive, with COVID antibody testing...just wondering if this is the new way to inflate the (positive) cases?

You're a quick study YJ

I give platelets monthly. We were shut down for a couple months but gave in May and June. They did not state they were looking for COVID antibodies and I was not informed that I came back positive either.
Due again in early July.
Bryce

Just wondering, there is a drive here that they are advertising antibody tests,and with world in which we live, I wondered if it wasn't a ply.

One here back on June 16, another one scheduled for July 14th. Both with Free antibody testing.

During the lengthy shutdowns many hospitals did very little to no elective surgeries so the need for blood and platelets, etc. was not that critical. Now as more care units are opening up for elective surgeries and more being scheduled the need for blood and blood products is increasing. The fact that they will or can offer each person an antibody test along with the donation of needed product seems to me a good thing for the donor and not so much a ruse.

Bryce

Agreed, just wonder if a positive (antibody) test will result with a positive (case)?

YJ it shouldn't result in a positive result.

They test for the coronavirus antibodies which encompasses a whole host of viruses. So to narrow it down to COVID-19 would be dang near impossible unless they come up with a test for this specific strain.

there is a blood drive that happens quarterly at a church in town.

I used to go , but now I am on the blood thinners and don't think they would want me.

I just gave blood last Thursday for the Red Cross. They said they are testing for Covid antibodies and the results will be posted to in your Red Cross history. They will not call or send you a letter informing you of the results. The results will be posted in 10 to 14 days. That's not why I gave blood. I usually give blood several times a year because it's a good cause.
I am interested to see the results though so I'll check it. If I see the cases for my county go up when my results are posted I'll wonder if the counts are being padded. I have my opinion that they are anyway.

As far as using the blood if it has antibodies in it on someone who hasn't been exposed I don't know. Maybe someone here that's in the medical field can answer that.

A friend of mine with the antibody is selling his plasma for $200 a week plus a bonus if he goes 4 weeks in a row.

I wasn't implying that one shouldn't give blood, just curious if anyone else considered the possibility of corruption. Plus, wondered if positive if they would accept it. Good replies!

Just gave this morning at 7:15AM, my third for 2020.
Easiest thing I can do to help others.
Did not get asked for antibody testing.
Jim