Plasma sought from those who recovered

Miller-Keystone Blood Center hopes antibodies boost those suffering

The Miller-Keystone Blood Center announced a program that could aid critically-ill COVID-19 patients.

The area blood bank, which has a branch in Muhlenberg Township, is working with blood center partners across the nation on an experimental treatment. Referred to as convalescent plasma, it has the potential to save the lives of some critically affected by the coronavirus, according to Miller-Keystone.

“When a person becomes ill with COVID-19, it can take time to develop the antibodies needed to combat the disease,” D. Kip Kuttner, vice president and medical director, said in a news release.

Those patients who recover have the antibodies in their plasma, he said. The plasma can be collected and given to those seriously ill with COVID-19.

“The hope is to provide a boost to the patient’s antibodies and help stimulate recovery,” Kuttner said. “This is particularly important in patients who have a suppressed immune system.”

Although some COVID-19 patients become critically ill and may require the assistance of a ventilator, Kuttner said, 80% are more mildly affected. Survivors develop the antibodies and are candidates for donating convalescent plasma.

To be eligible to donate, a patient must be symptom-free of COVID-19 for 28 days or more.

All general eligibility guidelines, screenings and qualifications for blood donation must still be met, Qiana Cressman, executive director of donor operations, said in the release.

“The actual donation process will be the same as for a whole blood or automated plasma donation,” she said.

Those who have recovered from the coronavirus and wish to donate should complete the eligibility screening form at GIVEaPINT.org/covidplasma.

For more information, call Diane Wiest, senior director of risk management, at 800-223-6667, ext. 1245 or email dwiest@giveapint.org.