Urgent appeal for blood plasma donors

Health chiefs have launched an urgent appeal for help to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

Bloodplasmafrompeople whohaverecoveredfromthe viruscanpotentiallysavethe livesofpeoplewhoarestillill.

Now NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has issued a public appeal to help make sure there is enough plasma to allow the NHS to runatrialandtreat patients.

More than 500 donations of COVID-19convalescentplasma have already been taken attheNorthEast’sdonorcentre in Newcastle.

However, the centre needs more people to come forwardtohelpmakesureappointments are filled.

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.

“Weneedtocollectconvalescent plasma now, to make sure plasma is readily availableforthetrialtotreatpeople in hospital. “Donations can also be frozen to ensure convalescent plasma is readily available, should there be a riseininfectionsin the coming weeks.

“Please,helpthe NHS fight COVID-19 by donating at Newcastle donor centre. You could save lives.”

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and several popup donor centres. Donation takes about 45 minutes.

Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours. Your body also quickly replaces the antibodies.