Ochsner Health is offering blood and platelet donors at participating Ochsner Blood Bank sites a free COVID-19 antibody test. This special incentive will run through July 5 to encourage the public to donate.
Ochsner blood banks, like blood banks across the nation, are currently experiencing a critical blood shortage. All blood types are needed, especially platelets and Type O red cells.
A COVID-19 antibody test can determine if a person’s immune system has created antibodies in response to COVID-19. Presence of the antibody indicates the individual has been infected with COVID-19 in the past but is not guaranteed immunity or protection from future infection.
During your blood donation, a small amount of the blood collected will be separately tested for COVID-19 antibodies. All participating donors are notified via mail of the results. Note: To be eligible for the free COVID-19 antibody test, it must be a successful blood or platelet donation.
Ochsner blood banks and blood drives participating in the antibody testing incentive can be found at www.ochsner.org/bloodbank. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (504) 842-3375.