Donating Blood During These COVID-19 Times?

[HappyDude20]

I used to donate blood and platelets on a regular basis many years ago but then kinda stopped going because I moved away from the city into a small town with a population of less than 1,500.

Lately I’ve been traveling into the city and want to donate blood again but am not sure what the rules are now in this post COVID-19 world. Can we just walk in as before?

Do they do any kind of test to see if you’re exposed beforehand? Or perhaps test the blood itself?

I’ve done a good job of quarantining since March, admittedly only going out to the grocery store when needed. It’s been a hell of a few months and as much as I wish movie theaters and restaurants would open (and boy do I sure see ppl hanging out at restaurants when I drive to the grocery store), I just don’t wanna risk exposing my friends and family to COVID.

 

[jbachandouris]

Walk in are a thing of the past, at least in my area. Make an appointment and be prepared to wait a week or two. They took my temperature going in and asked the usual COVID exposure questions.

My blood was tested for antibodies and I was negative so that means that I did not have it and recover and most likely was not exposed.

 

[0128672]

Yes, you would be tested beforehand. I would call the place to find out what the procedures are. You can also look at sites like redcross.org.

 

[HappyDude20]

Walk in are a thing of the past, at least in my area. Make an appointment and be prepared to wait a week or two. They took my temperature going in and asked the usual COVID exposure questions.

My blood was tested for antibodies and I was negative so that means that I did not have it and recover and most likely was not exposed.

Was the antibodies test done for platelet donations or just regular blood donation? I heard it was done only for platelet donations. Either way I’m looking up online now to donate.

 

[jbachandouris]

Was the antibodies test done for platelet donations or just regular blood donation? I heard it was done only for platelet donations. Either way I’m looking up online now to donate.

Regular blood, but it is my understanding that all blood is tested.

 

[shadow puppet]

I wish I could donate. In my area, I can't due to being under the required "must be at least 110 lbs" (I weighed in at 93lbs today at my doctor appt), plus the arthritis meds I take. I admire those that can and do donate.