Florida’s demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma increases significantly

DORAL, FL – As the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to rise, COVID-19 convalescent plasma demand also increases. It can be used as a potencial treatment for people infected with the virus.

“OneBlood is experiencing more than a 500% increase in hospital orders for COVID-19 convalescent plasma. We are urging people who have recovered from the coronavirus to step forward and donate their plasma, they are urgently needed”, said Susan Forbes, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations for OneBlood to CBSMiami. 

According to medical experts, giving convalescent plasma to COVID-19 patients earlier in their treatments has several benefits. It prevents progression of the disease, it helps reduce the death toll, and it produces better outcomes when treating this disease.

Patients who recovered from the coronavirus developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person who is still sick with the virus, can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.

If you are one of those patients, please contact OneBlood and donate as soon as you can to help save lives. You can do so by visiting www.oneblood.org or calling 1-888-9DONATE.

Appointments are required and plasma can be donated every 28 days. However, you should meet the usual screening criteria for blood donation, plus pass additional FDA criteria before deciding to donate, as reported  by CBSMiami.

These requirements include having complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation, providing prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test or letter from hospital confirming diagnosis and providing a positive serological test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Donors who test positive for the antibody will be eligible to become COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors.