TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida is putting more attention on antibody testing for COVID-19, giving hospitals statewide the opportunity to treat the virus.
The Bragg Stadium site will start antibody testing on Friday and you can schedule appointments for antibody testing now.
Some in the community say it's a smart move. Maurice Glass is no stranger to donating at CSL Plasma.
"I've been doing it for a couple of years," said Glass. "It's beneficial, teaches me how to eat better and take better care of myself."
Now, the benefits of donating plasma are stretching even further.
"We partner with other agencies to help find a cure of treatment, methods for battling COVID," said Andria Logan, the CSL Plasma site manager.
Anyone who has gone through COVID-19 has antibodies, which is what the immune system makes to help you recover from the virus.
Now, the state of Florida is making it easier to know if you have COVID-19 antibodies.
"I never really thought about it," Glass said. "Now that's it's being brought up, it's a good thing to do just to make sure everyone is getting tested."
Bragg's antibody testing is part of the initiative to track the virus and its impact on communities.
In a statement, Leon County Health officer Claudia Blackburn said, "The results of these tests give us valuable information about the symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 infection rate in Leon County."
Bragg will draw blood and in 15 minutes tell you if you have COVID-19 antibodies or not.
Anyone with a positive antibody test is then asked to donate plasma to places like One Blood and CSL Plasma.
"We're in dire need of finding cures and ways to fight this battle," said Logan.
Appointments will now only be for antibody testing and all COVID-19 tests will be by walk-up.
