Convalescent Plasma Can Save a Life
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The University of Miami Health System is working with OneBlood to make convalescent plasma available as a treatment option for patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19.
What is convalescent plasma?
When a person contracts a virus like COVID-19, their immune system creates antibodies to fight the virus.
These antibodies are found in plasma, the liquid part of blood. Plasma with these infection-fighting antibodies is called convalescent plasma. Through blood donation, this antibody-rich plasma can be collected from a person who has recovered from COVID-19, and then transfused to a sick patient who is still fighting the virus.
How can we use convalescent plasma?
Convalescent plasma is a treatment option for those with severe or life-threatening COVID-19 infection and those at risk of progression of the illness. This provides a boost to the immune system of the sick patient and may
help speed the recovery process.
Who can be a plasma donor?
A donor must have:
- A prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab PCR or an antibody test) and meet other criteria.
- Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days before donation. A negative lab test for active COVID-19 disease is not necessary to qualify for donation.
Here is how you can help:
For more information on the donation process, go to: oneblood.org.
We ask that you direct your donation to:
UHealth-University of Miami Health System.