Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from the new coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients.
People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease.
You may qualify to donate plasma for coronavirus patients if you meet specific convalescent plasma and regular blood donation eligibility requirements:
- You are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 lbs. Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger.
- In good health. You generally feel well, even if you’re being treated for a chronic condition. View blood donation FAQ’s.
- Have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now are symptom free and fully recovered from COVID-19.
If you believe you are eligible, fill out the Red Cross form here. Each donor can provide enough plasma for three patients, which means each donor can help many others who are desperately ill.
Doctors at Valley Health System in Ridgewood. New Jersey announced they have given the first dose of convalescent plasma therapy to a COVID-19 patient.