Originally Posted by TXPearl

I give blood fairly regularly (a few times per year), so I've had the Red Cross antibody test three times since this all started last spring. First two were negative for Covid antibodies. The wife got exposed to Covid a few months ago, started having mild fever, so we both got tested. She was positive and I was negative (this is the PCR test to see if you have an active infection, not the antibody test). A few days later, I have fever and other symptoms. Never went back to get tested as it never got worse than flu symptoms for me.

Anyway, gave blood last week and just got the antibody test back - positive. So that removes the urgency for me to get the vaccine, at least for now. Use it on someone more needy.

I don't think the Red Cross can use the existing blood donation for convalescent plasma treatment for a Covid patient. As I understand it, that requires a different type of donation process where they draw your blood, extract the plasma and then return the remaining blood cells to your body. Sounds weird, but I'll try it next time I get around to donating.