DETROIT The American Red Cross cross has faced many challenges trying to collect sufficient blood in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once he recovered, he rolled up his sleeve to donate convalescent plasma. But as coronavirus cases in numerous states have spiked, the American Red Cross has seen hospital demand for convalescent plasma surge. We are depleting our COVID-19 plasma inventory faster than we can replace it, said Dr. Pampee Young, Chief Medical Officer with the American Red Cross. To sign up for an appointment, or for more information, visit the official American Red Cross website here.

DETROIT There has been an emphasis put on developing widespread coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody testing as we move forward through the pandemic. Local 4s Dr. Frank McGeorge explain exactly what antibodies are and why developing a test for them is so complicated. Luckily, there are other ways your immune system fights invaders until special antibody making cells can get to work. Aug. 6, 2020 -- Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 85,429; Death toll now at 6,247Eventually, after a few days of infection those antibody making cells are ready and start cranking out antibodies. The cells that made those antibodies also keep a record, so they can make antibodies faster the next time around.

All rights reserved.) WARREN, Mich. Warren is working with WSU/ACCESS to have another coronavirus (COVID-19) drive-thru testing site at Warren City Hall. The event will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. They will be testing for coronavirus and coronavirus antibodies. Click here to RSVP for the test.

DETROIT Weve heard a lot about antibodies in terms of determining who has already been exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and recovered, but many experts believe they could also play a major role in treating the virus. The key to treating the coronavirus might be found in the blood of those who have survived it. I think antibodies will be finished first and will be the bridge toward longer immunity, which will be conferred by vaccines, Crowe said. I think the more groups we have working on it, all the better, and the more shots on goal we have for getting an effective prevention or treatment, Crowe said. Researchers from one company, Regeneron, said their antibody treatment for COVID-19 could be on the market as early as the end of the summer, with many more potentially in the pipeline.