United Hospital Center’s blood drive held Wednesday at Mountaineer Medical Building was a near sell-out event, you might say.

 

“From what I understand, we only had one appointment left out of every time slot,” said Ralph Johns, MT (ASCP), blood bank lead technologist at UHC.

 

But with a handful of walk-ins, the maximum number of blood donors – 30 through available registration times – was exceeded.

Johns said the donations will go a long way in helping individuals and during the summer months, that is always an issue.

 

“All blood drives are important, but during the summertime we see levels of inventory drop,” he said. “Folks are busy doing other things and right now, people are also a little worried about going out.”

 

Donors were tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Results of that test will take several days. Donors who test positive for the antibodies can opt to donate blood plasma which would be used to treat COVID-19 patients. Known as “convalescent plasma,” it is rich with antibodies that may give people infected with the virus an extra boost to fight the disease.

 

Vitalant – which operates blood drives and supplies blood to UHC - is working with hospitals to collect, process and distribute the plasma for treatment in patients with active, serious COVID-19 infections.

 

All blood donations – and potential plasma donations - are greatly appreciated.

 

“During this pandemic time, people are wondering what they can do to help. They feel kind of helpless,” Johns said. “This is one thing you can do. It really makes a big difference in our blood supply, not only at our hospital – but in all hospitals.”

 

 UHC’s next blood drive will take place 10 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 7. Registration opportunities will be available in the near future at vitalant.org.

 

To find out more about the antibody testing, visit vitalant.org/antibodytest. To find out more about donating convalescent plasma, visit vitalant.org/COVIDfree.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured in the donor chair is Ralph Johns, MT (ASCP), blood bank lead technologist at UHC.