1,000 local blood donors expected to get free antibody testing for COVID-19

Donations centers providing antibody testing for COVID-19 are becoming popular, sometimes crowded spots.Employees at The Blood Connection in Raleigh said they are taking all proper safety precautions, but often need to ask people waiting for the test to spread apart. On Thursday, The Blood Connection will handle more than 1,000 people at the PNC Arena who will donate blood and get free antibody testing.

Posted 7:35 p.m. May 19, 2020 — Updated 4:27 p.m. May 20, 2020

Keely Arthur

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Some blood donation centers have begun providing antibody testing for COVID-19. The popularity of the testing, however, has led to crowds that sometimes struggle with social distancing or lines of people who aren't wearing masks.

Employees at The Blood Connection in Raleigh said they are taking all proper safety precautions, but often need to ask people waiting in line for the test to spread apart.

On Thursday, May 21, The Blood Connection will handle more than 1,000 people at the PNC Arena who will donate blood and get free antibody testing.

Donations double, triple when Blood Connection offers COVID-19 antibody test

The event is full, but if you want to get antibody testing, The Blood Connection is hosting another drive next week at the Durham Performing Arts Center. People who hope to get antibody testing can make an appointment for a test at one of their locations on The Blood Connection's website.

Protecting donors while they wait for antibody tests

When it comes to protecting himself and his family against COVID-19 Anthony Blackwell is heeding all advice.

“I wear my mask. I always take my hand sanitizer. If I go into a grocery store often times I wear gloves,” Blackwell said.

Blackwell took things a step further by getting an antibody test for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

“It would give me peace of mind knowing that I do have some antibody protection,” he said.

Many others have the same idea.

“We’ve had a surge in interest here because of the COVID-19 antibody testing,” said Brian Lewis, the donor resources manager for The Blood connection.

That popularity can pose problems when it comes to social distancing. Over the weekend, groups not observing proper social distancing protocols were seen outside of The Blood Connection’s location on Glenwood Ave.

“It’s difficult if a group of people get out of a car and walk up. We can tell people, ‘Hey, you need to make sure you space out,’ but ultimately we don’t have physical control over what people do,” Lewis said.

While they can’t physically control people Lewis said all The Blood Connection locations are taking steps to ensure safety and social distancing. This includes providing staff with masks, taping off spaces and asking people to wait in their cars until they are ready for them.

On Thursday, The Blood Connection will hold a blood drive and antibody testing in partnership with area hospitals. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate, said Lewis.

While they are not providing masks to participants, Lewis said people are strongly encouraging people to wear their own. They are also asked to wait in their cars.

“We will have people text us and then we will call them when we are ready so there isn’t a huge congregation,” Lewis said.

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