Your safety is our priority.
Mask Policy
Update as of May 18, 2021: Fully vaccinated individuals* are no longer required to wear a mask at Carter BloodCare locations, including donor centers or blood drives, except when a policy requires it at the location of the drive. Individuals may choose to wear facial coverings, even if fully vaccinated, and masks will be available upon request, at all donation locations.
Unvaccinated individuals are asked to continue wearing a mask or face covering, and social distancing.
As the pandemic environment evolves, our focus on the safety of our blood donors and staff remains a priority. We are making decisions based on national guidelines from our industry as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
*Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks have passed since receiving the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Individuals who receive the COVID-19 vaccine are invited to donate blood with no deferral time; however, they are no longer eligible to donate COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP).
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
*Effective July 1, 2021, Carter BloodCare will no longer perform COVID-19 antibody testing on blood donations.
Testing is now available for all blood donors. Learn more about Antibody Testing here.
How you can help:
- If you are not feeling healthy and well, please reschedule your appointment to donate blood.
- Carter BloodCare will not ask donors for proof of vaccination. We are operating under the honor system for the sake of your health and the health of those around you.
- Drink plenty of water before and after donating to ensure you are well hydrated; and eat a good, healthy meal at least two hours before your donation.
- Make and keep your appointment. This helps to manage wait times.
- Remember to bring your government-issued picture ID.
- Before you arrive on the day of your appointment, fill out your donor questionnaire on your own mobile device/desktop with QuickScreen. This also helps manage overcrowding.
- Please do not bring children and/or pets to blood drives or donor centers, as they are not allowed into the donation area.
Your donation means the world to the patients and their loved ones. Make your appointment online or call/text 800-366-2834.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: If I receive a COVID-19 vaccine, will I be able to make other types of blood donations?
A: Yes. Carter BloodCare welcomes COVID-19 vaccine recipients to donate blood for other hospitalized patients who require blood transfusions of red cells or platelets. You can make an appointment by calling or texting 800-366-2834 or schedule your appointment online to give at one of our 25 donor centers.
Q: If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, will that affect my antibody test results after I donate blood?
A: The initial antibody screening test that Carter BloodCare uses is unlikely to be positive after a blood donor receives a COVID-19 vaccine.
The antibodies that are generated after a vaccine are not detected by the antibody screening test that Carter BloodCare uses for blood donations. Every test detects a certain part of the virus. Your lack of a positive antibody test result means our test doesn’t detect the response to the vaccine; but it does not reflect on the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Q: Can I reasonably assume that a positive antibody test result means I have some protection from this virus?
A: Individuals recovered from COVID-19 or who were asymptomatic with a positive antibody test result, should continue to practice caution. It is not currently known whether the presence of antibodies provides immunity to ongoing or future viral exposure. The virus may be continuously changing (mutating) over time in our community.