For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to the coronavirus.

At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products.

Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within seven to 10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to COVID-19.”

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.

Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Those who donate through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions, including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood drives include:

¯ 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Tri-Church, 35 Main St., Brocton

¯ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Camp Mission Meadows, 5201 Route 430, Maple Springs

¯ 1 to 6 p.m. at Dunkirk First Baptist Church, 876 Central Ave., Dunkirk

¯ 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Thursday, June 25, at the American Red Cross chapter office, 325 E. Fourth St., Jamestown

¯ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the Chautauqua Mall, 318 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood

¯ 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Mayville VFW Post 8647, 10 Memorial Drive, Mayville

¯ noon to 4 p.m. today at the Portland Fire Department, 6481 W. Main Road

¯ 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Sheridan VFW Post 6390, 2556 Route 20;

¯ noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at First United Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.