What can someone who’s recovered from the coronavirus do to help people still struggling with it? According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the answer could lie in their blood plasma.
In a news release, the department said they’re looking for people who have fully recovered from the coronavirus to donate plasma. The plasma of someone who has recovered (COVID-19 convalescent plasma or CCP) is believed to have antibodies that makes fighting off future infections easier.
DHSS says these plasma donors must be adults who tested positive for COVID-19 and who haven’t shown any symptoms for at least 14 days. DHSS asks pregnant women not to donate.
And here in the Ozarks, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarkssays donated plasma from someone who has tested positive for the virus will be given to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The plasma could also be used to test new therapies or vaccines.
The CBCO says people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have gone 28 days without symptoms can contact their doctor to see if they are eligible to donate. Donors of CCP must meet the requirements that are in place for giving blood.
The CBCO is finalizing standard operating procedures for collection, including staff training and hospital communication plans, according to a news release. The blood center expects to begin collecting CCP this Wednesday, April 15.
