More than 22 people who beat COVID-19 have now donated plasma in Gloucester

The Gloucester blood donor centre in London Road has now taken more than 22 convalescent donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19.

NHS Blood and Transplant is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial, and if the trial is successful, widespread use in hospitals.

The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered can be transfused into people are struggling to develop their own immune response.

NHSBT is appealing for people from Gloucester who have had COVID-19 to get in touch on 0300 123 23 23 or at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk as they may be able to donate too.

The plasma with the most antibodies tends to come from people who were more ill. For this reason, there is a particular need for recovered donors who are male, or who are aged over 35, or who were hospitalised. Their plasma is more likely to be able to save lives.

The number of plasma donations in Gloucester donor centre will increase further as the national plasma programme expands. NHSBT is taking donations at its 23 donor centres and at special ‘pop-up’ venues around the country.

Prof David Roberts, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation, said: “Thank you to everyone in Gloucester for donating convalescent plasma to try and save lives.

“We need more donors and we want to hear from people who have had the coronavirus.

“Convalescent plasma donation is safe and easy. If you get the call, please donate. Help your NHS fight COVID-19.”

Convalescent plasma donation takes about 45 minutes, during which time you can sit back and relax. Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours and you can get on with your normal day after donating. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.

Although there is some evidence of patient benefit from the use of convalescent plasma, the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma transfusions needs to be confirmed by a robust clinical trial. NHSBT is leading on the convalescent plasma trial in collaboration with the REMAP-CAP and RECOVERY platform trials.

To offer to donate convalescent plasma in Gloucester, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.nhsbt.nhs.uk