How you can strike back against COVID-19
The Blood Center is seeking plasma donors to help in an FDA-approved investigational study aimed at helping COVID-19 patients fight off the novel coronavirus. (Image via Shutterstock)
By STHS Communication Department
Residents of South Louisiana who have recovered from the COVID-19 coronavirus could be the key to helping other patients fight it off.
On Monday (April 13), The Blood Center was scheduled to collect its first donation of COVID-19 convalescent plasma – or CCP – for use in treatment of seriously ill patients fighting the coronavirus. The plasma is being collected in New Orleans as part of an FDA-approved investigational study.
“Plasma from donors who have recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection may contain antibodies capable of neutralizing the virus,” said Dr. Tim Peterson, medical director for The Blood Center. “Studies suggest that the early transfusion of convalescent plasma in seriously ill patients has had a significant effect in decreasing ventilator dependency and length of hospitalization.”
CCP donors must be 17 or older, in good health and have a documented positive laboratory test for COVID-19. They must also have been symptom-free for at least 28 days, although those who have been symptom-free for between 14 and 27 days can donate if they have negative test results for COVID-19.
The Blood Center does not conduct COVID-19 tests.
According to The Blood Center’s website, potential CCP donors should visit tbc.bio-linked.org, where they can find out if they are a suitable donor and put their name on Louisiana’s registry. Once approved for CCP donations, donors will be contacted by The Blood Center to schedule a donation at a facility in New Orleans.
Each donation takes a total of about 45 minutes and can provide up to three therapeutic plasma doses.
Those with questions about the process can contact Tin Schwander, The Blood Center's community relations manager, at (504) 592-1597 or Tina@The BloodCenter.org.
Those seeking general information about The Blood Center or giving blood can call 1(800)86-BLOOD or visit TheBloodCenter.org online.
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Visit STPH.org/COVID-19 for the latest information on coronavirus in St. Tammany Parish.