NHS Blood and Transplant urgently need help to support us in leading a national programme on behalf of the Government to collect COVID-19 convalescent plasma. New and existing medical trials are testing if plasma helps people when used early in the disease before hospitalisation. Early use could help some of the most vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with weak immune systems.
To enable a planned UK trial, NHS Blood and Transplant need to collect as much plasma as possible immediately, as this programme could be a significant therapeutic intervention to save lives.
The programme is urgently looking for donors who are aged between 18 and 65 who have been hospitalised with Covid-19, especially men, as they are six times more likely to yield higher antibody in their plasma, making them the best plasma donors. By donating plasma you might save lives of other patients with COVID-19.
If you would like to become a donor you can register your interest by:
- Completing an online blood donation Form https://my.blood.co.uk/preregister
- Calling the contact call centre on telephone number 0300 123 23 23