APPEAL FOR COVID-19 SURVIVORS TO HELP OTHERS FIGHT THE VIRUS:
Antibodies in donations from coronavirus survivors could help others fighting disease
MORE people who have recovered from Covid-19 are desperately needed as plasma donors to help other patients fight the virus.
So far, 125 volunteers have been given ‘convalescent’ plasma at the blood donor centre in Belmont Road, Etruria.
But NHS Blood and Transplant today issued an urgent appeal for others to come forward.
Their plasma will be used as part of a clinical trial. It will involve patients with struggling immune systems receiving transfusions of the plasma to see if they can benefit from the antibodies.
There is a particular need for male donors, and for females who had have a positive coronavirus test.
Professor Dave Roberts, associate director for blood donation, said: “Every new offer to donate is incredibly valuable.
“We particularly need men to come forward 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.
“Please help the NHS fight Covid-19 by donating at the Stoke-on-trent donor centre. You could save lives.”
The procedure takes around 45 minutes.
The donor will then replenish the plasma that has been taken within 24 to 48 hours.
If a person has recovered from coronavirus, they may well have developed antibodies which create a temporary immunity against Covid-19.
By transfusing the plasma into patients currently battling coronavirus, it could aid their recovery as well.
But experts say there is a need for a robust clinical trial to ensure it is effective for wider use.
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.
For more details, call 0300 1232323, or complete the online form at www. nhsbt.nhs.uk.