Convalescent Plasma Trials for COVID 19 patients

The NHS is seeking people who have recovered from COVID 19 to donate blood plasma which will be used in trials to see if convalescent plasma can help people who are ill will with COVID 19.

The idea behind the treatment is that people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus when transfused into patients with serious, active disease.

If you have tested positive with an antibody test or just had the symptoms you can register to donate blood plasma on the NHS Blood and Transplant website: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/convalescent-plasma-clinical-trial/

Donors need to be at least 28 days post recovery. Taking blood plasma is similar to donating blood, takes around 45 minutes and is safe and easy.

The NHS has set up donor centres across the UK. This positive initiative may be of great benefit for those who are seriously ill with COVID 19.

COVID 19 convalescent plasma is being trialled globally and has already helped patients who have been seriously ill and may be a major source of therapy. The NHSBT say that they may be able to show the results of trials by the end of this summer.

If you have had COVID 19 are tested positive and want to help please visit the NHSBT website to find out how.