Vitalant releases antibody positive rates for COVID-19 virus

In an effort to support COVID-19 response and preparedness efforts, Vitalant recently released antibody positive rates for more than 250,000 blood donors across several states from June and July, Montana included.

On June 1, Vitalant became the first national blood services provider to begin testing all blood donations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. According to a press release, Vitalant is now the first in the U.S. to release such rates.

There was an overall positive antibody rate 1.37% in June and 2.26% in July. Vatalant’s blood service area based out of Montvale, New Jersey, had the highest prevalence in July at nearly 8%, while South Dakota had the lowest that month at .64%.

In Billings and the surrounding region, including a blood donation center in Evergreen, positive antibody rates were 1.3% in July and about one-half of a percent in June. The blood donation center in Evergreen is also the sole supplier of blood to Kalispell Regional Healthcare.

“We are pleased to share our data to assist ongoing response and preparedness efforts,” said Ralph Vassallo, chief medical and scientific officer at Vitalant. “We will continue antibody testing all blood donations for the foreseeable future to help identify convalescent plasma donors and meet the emergent need.”

Individuals with a positive diagnostic or antibody test result are encouraged to consider registering to become a plasma donor in order to potentially help patients fight COVID-19. In April 2020, Vitalant began collecting and distributing convalescent plasma from those recovered from COVID-19.

Plasma is the liquid, antibody-rich part of blood. And according to the press release, when convalescent plasma is collected from recovered patients, it has been used to treat the sick for more than 100 years and may give patients an immune system boost to fight disease.

“Although there are ongoing discussions regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization for convalescent plasma, we believe its risk-benefit profile is favorable, and plasma may be effective in hospitalized patients,” Vassallo continued. “Vitalant supports evidence-based decision-making and will continue to advocate for randomized trials to prove its efficacy and identify appropriate recipients. In the meantime, our focus remains on helping to save lives."

Blood donors with a COVID-19-positive diagnostic or antibody test result can register to give convalescent plasma by visiting Vitalant.org/COVIDFree or calling 866-287-5762. Donations can be made every 28 days or more frequently with Vitalant medical director approval.