The MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Knoxville has begun screening donors for COVID-19 antibodies in an effort to identify and recruit potential COVID Convalescent Plasma donors.
Eligible donors will be tested and will need to sign a separate consent during registration.
Donors must donate to be tested for COVID-19 antibodies and if there is no successful donation, then there is no test.
The center said if you don't want to be tested, you will be asked to return in September when the testing window is closed.
MEDIC said this is not a COVID-19 diagnostic test, and that donors should only visit if they are healthy and well.
If you test positive for antibodies, MEDIC will send you a letter to recruit you for more screening before donating plasma.
With or without antibodies, MEDIC said all blood donations make a difference.
All donations from Aug. 3rd through Aug. 31st will be by appointment-only. This allows MEDIC staff to control donor flow and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Appointments are required at all donor centers and all community drives. Appointments can be made by calling 865-521-2658 or 865-524-3074 or by going online to www.medicblood.org.