¿Superaste el Covid-19 y estás interesado(a) en donar plasma para ayudar a pacientes de Covid-19? Has clic aquí para información en español.
Plasma collected from recently recovered COVID-19 patients can provide hope to those who are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. The plasma from recovered patients is called convalescent plasma and it is being transfused to treat COVID-19.
This convalescent plasma contains antibodies that are believed to help fight the virus. This treatment has shown promise when used similarly against other infections in the past.
Antibody concentration has been shown to diminish over time. It is vital that eligible donors with these crucially needed antibodies attempt to donate their plasma every 14 days. Carter BloodCare is collecting this plasma for hospitals and their patients in our community.
To be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, an individual must:
- Have complete resolution of COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days
- Meet the regular blood donation guidelines
Please consider this additional way to positively affect change for patients and help our community stay prepared for potential surges in the virus.
You can now schedule an appointment for any of our donor center locations, four different ways:
- Call 817-412-5830.
- Text 800-366-2834.
- Email ConvalescentPlasma@CarterBloodCare.org.
- Self-schedule online.
If you have any questions about your eligibility or scheduling please call us at 817-412-5830 or email ConvalescentPlasma@CarterBloodCare.org.
Q: If I receive a COVID-19 vaccine, will I be able to donate CCP?
A: No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine cannot be a COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donor.
The vaccine is intended for your protection – and not the protection of a COVID-19 patient.
The antibody response that is produced by the vaccine is not the kind of antibody response that can help fight the active viral infection in a currently hospitalized COVID-19 patient.
Individuals who receive a COVID-19 vaccine are still invited to give blood for other hospitalized patients. You can make an appointment by calling or texting 800-366-2834 or schedule your appointment online to give at one of our 25 donor centers.
Q: Do you test the antibody level in my convalescent plasma donation(s)?
A: Yes. Currently, Carter BloodCare is performing antibody testing for convalescent plasma donors.
Q: Can I reasonably assume that a positive antibody test result means I have some protection from this virus?
A: Individuals recovered from COVID-19 or who were asymptomatic with a positive antibody test result, should continue to practice caution. It is not currently known whether the presence of antibodies provides immunity to ongoing or future viral exposure. The virus may be continuously changing (mutating) over time in our community.
Q: How long do COVID-19 antibodies last in a donor’s system/ how long am I considered a qualified CCP donor?
A: Currently, no one knows for sure how long the antibodies last in a recovered COVID-19 patient, or in someone who was asymptomatic and tested positive for antibodies. However, Carter BloodCare has seen convalescent plasma donors that give plasma multiple times and still have antibodies present in their plasma each time they come back to donate.
Your antibody test might conclude that you will not be eligible to continue donating CCP and, in that case, we welcome you to continue as a blood donor for the 600 to 800 community patients, daily, in need of blood transfusions.
Q: Will frequent convalescent plasma donation deplete my antibodies or diminish my ability to fight off the virus if I am exposed again?
A: The antibodies removed during your donation are only a fraction of the total antibodies in your body – and they are promptly replaced by antibody stores that are located in tissues elsewhere in your body.
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