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The American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time.

The Red Cross said plasma donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies might be used as convalescent plasma to help COVID-positive patients with weakened immune systems.

“The Red Cross first tested donations for COVID-19 antibodies earlier in the pandemic to provide convalescent plasma for patients,” a statement from the nonprofit reads. “When infection rates decreased and new treatment options became available, the Red Cross discontinued the program. With the surge of new variants, hospitals began to seek out more treatments for their most vulnerable patients, and new clinical trial data has shown that convalescent plasma may benefit immunocompromised patients. The Red Cross is resuming this program to ensure doctors have every tool available to support treatment.”

Antibody test results are available one to two weeks after donation.

Here are some upcoming Red Cross blood donation opportunities in Beaufort County:

Pantego

• March 24: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Terra Ceia Christian School, 3298 Terra Ceia Road

Washington

• March 22: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 113 North Harvey St.
• March 23: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Beaufort Community College Building 10, 5337 Hwy 264 East
• March 23: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mother of Mercy Catholic Church Washington, 112 West Ninth St.
• March 28: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Red Men’s Lodge, 503 E. Third St.
• March 31: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Washington Montessori School, 2330 Old Bath Highway