Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19

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FAQS - UPDATED 4-8-20

Is Southern California Blood Bank collecting blood during the “stay at home” order?
Yes, by appointment only. Southern California Blood Bank is an essential community service and will remain open during the statewide "stay at home" order announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Do I need an appointment? 
Yes, in order to ensure proper staffing at our locations, appointments are currently required until further notice.

I have recovered from COVID-19. Can I donate convalescent plasma? 
Southern California Blood Bank will be collecting convalescent plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19. 
Learn more. 

What safety measures are in place?
Donor and staff safety is of the utmost importance. We currently have several measures in place.  

Current procedures:   

• Cleaning of surfaces in between each donation.
• Reducing the volume of people gathering at any one time.
• Screening donors for upper respiratory symptoms and taking temperatures prior to entering a donor center or mobile.
• Screening staff for upper respiratory symptoms and taking temperatures of staff who interact with donors at the beginning of each shift.
• Posting notices to defer donors from entering should they have upper respiratory symptoms or travel exposures.
• Allowing for social distancing at centers and temporary locations being set up in the community. While bloodmobiles do not completely allow for 6-feet distancing, staff and donors are being screened prior to entry and surfaces are being cleaned between each donation.
• Following good hygiene practices, including wearing gloves and washing hands in between each donation.
• Asking donors to self-defer if they traveled to or through (layover) an area with an outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus, if they have traveled (worldwide) on cruise ships, including river cruises, if they have been diagnosed with or suspected of having 2019 novel coronavirus infection, or if they have lived with an individual(s) diagnosed with or suspected of having 2019 novel coronavirus infection. (see current restrictions)  

If I donate blood, will I be able to fight an infection later?
There is no research evidence that donating blood affects your ability to fight infection later. While white blood cells needed to fight infection slightly decrease after donation, abundant cells remain in the event of an infection. Furthermore, donated cells are regenerated post-donation.   

Are recipients at risk of contracting COVID-19 through donated blood?
There is no known risk of contracting COVID-19 from blood transfusions. Respiratory viruses are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion transmission of this virus. Routine blood donor screening measures that are already in place should prevent individuals with clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. For example, blood donors must be in good health and have a normal temperature on the day of donation  

Can I get COVID-19 by donating blood? 
There is no inherent risk of getting COVID-19/coronavirus from donating blood. No measures can completely eliminate the risk of exposure; however, we have high standards in place to eliminate risk of exposure as much as possible. 

Can I donate if I’m over 65?
We are not disallowing donors who are 65 and older that feel healthy and well from donating. Because no measures can completely eliminate the risk of exposure, following the ”stay-at-home” order is highly recommended. Younger donors are stepping up to donate. Donors who are 65 and older and people with underlying conditions can feel good about staying home.

Are you allowing for social distancing? 
Temporary locations that are being opened in the community allow for social distancing. Bloodmobiles do not currently afford 6’ distancing. However, we are screening donors and staff prior to entry onto the bus. Staff, of course, will be near you at a few points during the normal donation process. We are also cleaning all surfaces between donations.  

What happens if someone donates without any symptoms and then becomes sick?  
COVID-19 is not known to be transmissible by transfusion. SCBB regularly tracks cold and flu symptoms after donation. If you are diagnosed with or are suspected of having COVID-19 infection within the next 28 days, please contact SCBB at (844) 380-5220. 

Where can I donate?
Appointments are required so we can ensure proper staffing at locations. Visit http://scbloodbank.org.

How else can I help?
You can also make a financial gift to support Southern California Blood Bank/San Diego Blood Bank during this time. 

Blood Donation Deferral Information in relation to COVID-19

1. Southern California Blood Bank is currently deferring people who have traveled to areas outside of the United States or traveled on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide for 28 days (4 weeks) from their date of departure from area traveled or disembarkation from cruise ship.
    

2. If donors cared for, lived with or otherwise have had close contact with an individual(s) diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 infection, they are deferred for 28 days (4 weeks) from the last date of exposure with the individual(s).
    

3. Donors who have been diagnosed with or suspected of have COVID-19 are deferred for 28 days (4 weeks) from the date the symptoms resolved.
    

4. People experiencing coronavirus symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, should not attempt to donate.