Coronavirus survivors in Leeds urgently needed to donate blood

NHS Blood and Transplant has issued a public appeal for blood donations to make sure there is enough plasma for a leading trial.

Convalescent plasma can be given to people who are struggling to develop an immune response to the illness and the trial is examining whether this plasma can improve a patient’s speed of recovery and chances of survival.

Although there is some evidence of patient benefit from the use of convalescent plasma, the safety and effectiveness of transfusions needs to be confirmed by the clinical trial.

More than 175 donations of Covid-19 convalescent plasma have already been taken at Leeds city donor centre and the temporary donor centre in Seacroft.

The donor plasma contains antibodies against the virus which can be transfused into people who are struggling to develop their own immune response.

However NHS Blood and Transplant needs people to come forward to help make sure appointments are filled.

There is a particular need for male donors and also female donors who have had a positive test.

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.

“We need to collect convalescent plasma now, to make sure plasma is readily available for the trial to treat people currently in hospital.

“Donations can also be frozen to ensure convalescent plasma is readily available, should there be a rise in infections in the coming weeks.

“Please, help the NHS fight COVID-19 by donating at Leeds donor centres. You could save lives.”

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and several pop-up donor centres.

Donation takes about 45 minutes and your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours.

Your body also quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.

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