Convalescent plasma collected at a plasma center from a recovered COVID-19 patient is not directly given to patients through transfusion. The plasma collected is pooled, processed, and antibodies are concentrated into a hyperimmune globulin (H-Ig) therapy. Medicine created through this process must be tested through clinical trials to determine that it is safe and effective before it can be given to a patient.
Why are COVID-19 patients not directly receiving convalescent plasma donated at the plasma centers?
Currently, there are two approved uses of COVID-19 convalescent plasma. One is to collect and use for the potential development of an H-Ig product. The other and more commonly known use case is to collect and directly transfuse the plasma to patients with COVID-19. Prior experience with respiratory viruses and limited data that have emerged from China suggest that convalescent plasma has the potential to lessen the severity or shorten the length of illness caused by COVID-19.
Both use cases are very important and have the potential to treat serious COVID-19 patients. Plasma centers through the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance will focus on the development of an H-Ig product which they believe “has properties that make it a promising candidate for a potential, large-scale, global treatment for COVID-19.”
Where can I go to find a center to donate my convalescent plasma?
CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance
COVID19 Expanded Access Program
National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project
American Red Cross
America’s Blood Centers
Blood Centers of America
Armed Services Blood Program
If you are a COVID-19 survivor and want to donate your plasma, find a center near you
For more information visit: iplasma.life
