Appeal for people who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate plasma

An appeal has been issued for more people who have recovered from coronavirus to donate plasma in the West Midlands.

Swiss army soldier Julien, right, helps a medical worker to treat a patient infected with the coronavirus and ill with with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit at the HiB Hospital (Hopital intercantonal de la Broye) in Payerne, Switzerland, Monday, April 6, 2020. Countries around the world are taking increased measures to stem the widespread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the Covid-19 disease. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.(Laurent Gillieron/Pool/Keystone via AP).

NHS Blood and Transplant has issued the public appeal to help make sure there is enough plasma to enable a trial and treat patients.

The blood plasma from people who have recovered from Covid-19 could save the lives of people who are still ill with the virus.

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More than 850 donations of Covid-19 convalescent plasma has already been taken at the Birmingham donor centre, however, NHS Blood and Transplant needs people to come forward to help make sure appointments are filled. There is a particular need for male donors, and also female donors who have had a positive test.

Professor Dave Roberts, associate director for blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Every new offer to donate is incredibly valuable. We particularly need men to come forwards as they generally have higher antibody levels.

“We need to collect convalescent plasma now, to make sure plasma is readily available for the trial to treat people currently in hospital.

“Donations can also be frozen to ensure convalescent plasma is readily available, should there be a rise in infections in the coming weeks.

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“Please, help the NHS fight Covid-19 by donating at Birmingham donor centre. You could save lives.”

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHS Blood and Transplant’s 23 donor centres around the country, and several pop-up donor centres.

Donation takes around 45 minutes and your body usually replaces the plasma you have donated in 24 to 48 hours.

The donor plasma contains antibodies against the virus which can be transfused into people who are struggling to develop their own immune response.

Potential donors are being prioritised according to who is likely to have higher antibody levels.

"Some people will be asked to make a short visit first to give a blood sample, to confirm their antibody levels are high enough for the trial.

To offer to donate plasma, call 0300 123 23 23 or complete the form online at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.