People who beat Covid sought to give plasma
BLOOD SERVICE ISSUES CALL IN CASE OF ANY SECOND WAVE
PEOPLE who have had coronavirus are being urgently asked to donate plasma ahead of any autumn second wave.
The antibody-rich plasma of people who have recovered could save the lives of people who develop Covid in the next few weeks, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said.
More than 240 donations have already been taken at Leicester donor centre so far.
However, more donors are needed as around 38 per cent of appointments are not being filled.
There is a particular need for men to donate, because they are more likely to have high antibody levels.
NHSBT said it needs as many donors as possible to come forward now from the first wave of infections to enable as many donations as possible to be taken.
The donated plasma may contain neutralising antibodies which could stop the virus spreading.
An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said: “The decline in infections is welcome but it has meant every potential donor is even more valuable.
“We urgently need people who have had coronavirus to donate now, ahead of any second wave.
“If you are from Leicester and you’ve had coronavirus, your plasma donation could save lives.
“We especially want to hear from men, even if they’ve had the symptoms but no test result, as they have higher antibody levels.” Covid-19 convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 permanent donor centres around the country, plus several pop-up donor centres.
Plasma donation takes about 45 minutes and the body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies. The Leicester donor centre is at Mansion House, Ground Floor, 41 Guildhall Lane.
If you have recovered from coronavirus or the symptoms, the spokesman said please offer to donate by calling 0300 123 23 23 or completing the webform at:
If you are from Leicester and you’ve had coronavirus, your plasma donation could save lives NHS