SALT LAKE CITY — Many health officials feel there’s a portion of the population walking around with coronavirus who may be asymptomatic or not adversely affected by it.
So short of calling your doctor how can you find out?
Starting Monday, one easy way to find out if you have the antibodies for COVID-19 is to donate blood.
The Red Cross will now screen all blood, platelet and plasma donations to see if the individual who donated has COVID-19 antibodies.
If so, that person will be notified.
Federal officials feel this is a great benefit for both the individual and the community.
"It’s a valuable thing for the community at large because it helps indicate and helps gain understanding about the extent of the infection and of course how do we mitigate that and continue to move forward during this pandemic," said Rich Woodruff with Red Cross Utah.
Red Cross officials recommend that you make an appointment so you don’t have to wait around once you arrive.
When you go, there will be temperature screenings and everyone involved will be wearing masks and gloves.
There are going to be some specific times, dates and places for blood drives throughout the rest of this month in Utah, Salt Lake and Davis County‘s.
To schedule an appointment, use the donor app, or go to the Red Cross Website and enter your zip code, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).