Coronavirus Information

Mask Update

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Versiti has reinstated its mask policy. This change is due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases nationally, as well as new scientific data on the Delta variant.

Masks Required

There is no substitute for the lifesaving gift of blood. Please consider a blood donation today.

As of March 26, 2021 Versiti will stop testing for the COVID-19 Antibody on blood donations.

The limited FDA authorization for performing these tests on blood was intended for use in identifying COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors. Due to the rapid expansion of improved pharmaceutical therapies for treating COVID-19, we will discontinue CCP collection. This means Versiti is additionally required to discontinue testing.

We thank all of our donors who continue to contribute to better patient outcomes in all of our communities. There is no substitute for the gift of blood donation. It is precious. It is perishable. And the need for it is vital.

We are stronger because of you, we are stronger together!

Ensuring Donor Safety

Donor Health & Registration:
- All donor-facing staff will have their temperature taken prior to beginning their work day
- Donors temperatures will be taken at registration to ensure they are not elevated prior to entering donation areas
- Donors will be asked if they've come in contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19
- Donors will be asked to wash hands prior to screening
- Donors will be asked if they are currently experiencing coughing or shortness of breath
- If any of the above is true, donors will be asked to self-defer
Social Distancing:
- We encourage all donors to make an appointment to lessen the amount of people waiting at our donor centers
- Ensuring six feet of space between chairs in waiting areas and cafe
- Ensuring six feet of space between donation chairs and/or separation with medical screens
- If appointment registration congestion occurs, we will ask for your cell phone number and text when your appointment is ready
Cleaning:
- We clean all equipment, beds, and other surfaces after each donor finishes their donation
- Changing gloves frequently and between donors is part of our normal practice
- We will maintain sanitized pen bins, so donors are only using clean pens at sign-in

FAQs

Coronavirus Disease FAQs

Are donor center and blood drive staff required to wear a face mask?

We are currently following recommendations by the CDC about face masks as well as how to properly defend against COVID-19. Currently it is mandated for our staff to wear a mask at donor centers and blood drives, even though they are dealing with a healthy population. Versiti staff members are following many new safety measures to ensure donor safety, as well as their own.
Can I donate if I've received the COVID-19 vaccination?

BLOOD: Individuals must wait two days after the day of vaccination to donate blood or platelets.

CCP: Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine may not donate CCP
Is it safe to donate due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The donation process itself poses no risk of infecting a donor with coronavirus. If you’d like to donate blood, you are able to as long as you’ve been symptom free for 14 days. We are monitoring and adhering to guidance from the FDA. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 Antibody Test FAQs

How long will Versiti be providing COVID-19 antibody testing?

As of March 26, 2021 Versiti will stop testing for the COVID-19 Antibody on blood donations.
If I test positive for the antibodies does it mean I am immune to COVID-19?

No. A positive result indicates you may have had previous exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 and your body has developed antibodies to the virus. According to both the FDA and the CDC, it is not yet known whether the antibodies will protect someone from a future infection. False positive results are also possible. See: “What does a positive result mean?”
I've been vaccinated but my test is negative. Was my COVID-19 vaccine ineffective?

A negative COVID antibody test result does not mean the COVID-19 vaccine has been ineffective. The Roche test detects antibody to the virus nucleocapsid, different than the spike antibody stimulated by the vaccine. The Roche test is not used to determine whether the COVID-19 vaccine has stimulated an appropriate response.
Should I be concerned if I have COVID-19 antibodies?

Antibodies against COVID-19 are not harmful to you and they are not harmful to a patient. In fact, if you have antibodies against COVID-19 you may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma is a special type of donation used specifically to treat ill patients fighting COVID-19.
What does a NEGATIVE result mean?

A negative result most likely means you have not been exposed to COVID-19. It is also possible you have been exposed but have not developed an immune response, or if you have made antibodies, they are present at a low level below the threshold of detection for the test. It is also possible the test did not recognize antibodies you made. See the Roche and Ortho Fact Sheets.
What does a POSITIVE result mean?

A reactive (positive) result means antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 were found in your blood. It is likely you previously had COVID-19 and developed an antibody response to the virus. This antibody is not harmful to you and it is not harmful if transfused to a patient. At this time there are not enough data, or studies, to determine whether a positive antibody result implies you will be protected from reinfection with COVID-19 or how long any protection might last. It is also possible that your reactive result may be a false positive due to cross-reactivity from antibodies to another prior infectious agent or other causes.

We perform a second antibody test on a different platform before reporting your result to reduce the chance of a false positive.

It is very important you continue to follow the recommendations of public health authorities and any workplace or community guidelines to protect yourself and others from the virus. See the Roche and Ortho Fact Sheets.
What does it mean if my result is LETTER?

You will receive a letter by mail explaining your results in detail.
What does it mean if my result is UNAVAILABLE?

Technical issues prevented your donation from being tested. You will not receive a test result for this donation. We apologize for the inconvenience. You will be tested on your next eligible donation.
What is the difference between a diagnostic test and an antibody screening test?

A diagnostic test is used to determine if you are currently infected with the virus. If you are feeling ill or have had recent close contact less than 14 days ago with someone confirmed with COVID-19, a diagnostic test may be recommended by your healthcare provider or public health authorities. Versiti is not performing a diagnostic test for COVID-19.

An antibody screening test is used to determine if someone has been exposed to a virus in the past and has developed an immune response. Antibodies are formed when fighting infections like COVID-19. In the case of COVID-19, people with antibodies can make a special blood donation called convalescent plasma that can be used to help treat patients fighting the virus.