TAMPA, Fla. -- OneBlood is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help aid other patients with their recovery.
The company says the plasma from the recovered patients will be transfused to people with life-threatening coronavirus infections. The experimental treatment is approved by the FDA on an emergency basis, according to OneBlood.
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According to the company, people who recover from COVID-19 have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in their plasma. Transfusing that plasma can provide a boost to the immune system of a patient still fighting the virus, according to OneBlood.
Potential donors must meet all the usual screening criteria for blood donations plus the following:
- COVID-19 convalescent plasma must only be collected from recovered individuals if they are eligible to donate blood
- Required testing must be performed and the donation must be found suitable
- Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test
- Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation
- Have a negative result for COVID-19
- Meet all standard FDA blood donation requirements
- As with all transfusions, the donor and the patient will need to have compatible blood types
Additionally, the recipients of the plasma have to meed FDA criteria to qualify.
→ COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS
OneBlood says it's working closely with the Florida Department of Health to identify potential donors. The company is also working with the federal government and anticipates participating in a national-level initiative to provide plasma where it's needed.