Significant regional variations in COVID-19 antibody levels appear among blood donors across the Netherlands. What's the rate in your area?
With any emerging virus, research evolves rapidly. The Netherlands' largest blood bank systematically tests donors' samples nationwide for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Notably, in southern provinces like North Brabant and Limburg, about 10% of donors show detectable antibodies.
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In the south, roughly 1 in 10 donors have antibodies, while northern areas trail significantly. Drenthe, for instance, clocks in at 2%. Nationally, the average is nearly 5.5%, drawn from tests on about 7,000 donors between May 9 and 19.
Limburg jumped from 2-4% in April to 10%—a sharp rise. Yet researchers estimate at least two years for herd immunity. Experts and physicians stress a vaccine remains urgently needed. Not a fan of needles? We've covered potential factors behind this.
Participants ranged from 18 to 75 years old and had been symptom-free for at least two weeks. As only healthy donors were tested, results aren't fully representative of the broader Dutch population. This month, studies expand to under-18s and over-75s.
