Asian patients urged to donate antibody-rich plasma
RESEARCH DURING COVID-19 TREATMENT TRIAL SHOWED PEOPLE FROM MINORITY GROUP WERE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE CONVALESCENT PLASMA
PEOPLE from Asian communities who have recovered from Covid-19 are more likely to have the antibody-rich convalescent plasma which can save lives, according to research.
New figures showed the Asian convalescent plasma donors were almost twice as likely to have high antibody levels as white donors. Data showed that 63 per cent of Asian donors met the threshold, compared to 36 per cent of white donors.
In light of the news, a number of Asian donors are now supporting NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT) appeal for more people to donate plasma to help people with Covid-19. NHSBT is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial, and if the trial is successful, there will be widespread use in hospitals. The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered from Covid-19 can be transfused into people who are struggling to develop their own immune response.
Prof Dave Roberts, NHSBT associate medical director for Blood Donation, confirmed that donors from Asian backgrounds were more likely to have the plasma which could save lives than white donors.
“We are not yet sure why this is the case,” he admitted. “The indications from our work so far, and past studies, are that the more seriously ill people become, the more antibodies they made. A Public Health England report suggested people from Asian communities who have Covid-19 have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill.”
He added: “We can reassure people that convalescent donation is safe and easy. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies you donate. By donating convalescent plasma, you could save lives.”
Rajeev Verma, 52, a healthcare facilities manager from Wolverhampton, has been one of the Asian donors who have been supporting the NHSBT appeal. He has the highest antibody levels of any Asian donor so far.
Verma said donating plasma was a “new and pleasant experience” and nurses were very “supporting and reassuring”.
“If I can help in the research and save someone’s life with my donation, I would do it with great pleasure,” he said. “It is better to give than to receive.”
He added: “I find that some people from the Asian community take a step back when you say you have had coronavirus. I am very open...I would very much support people talking more and feeling able to donate.”
Convalescent plasma is being collected at a number of locations around the country. NHSBT’s 23 donor centres are located in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Luton and Leeds, as well as in pop-up donor centres. Convalescent plasma donation takes about 45 minutes. The body typically replaces the plasma donated in 24hours-48 hours and people can get on with their normal day after donating. The body quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.
NHSBT is appealing for people who have recovered from Covid-19, and who live near one of its 23 donor centres, to offer to donate their plasma by calling 0300 123 23 23 or completing an online form.