THE Bradford blood donor centre in Manor Row has now taken more than 31 convalescent donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial, and if the trial is successful, widespread use in hospitals. 

The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered can be transfused into people are struggling to develop their own immune response.

Bradford blood donor centre started taking plasma donations from May 11 and the number of donors is rising.

NHSBT is asking people from Bradford who have recovered from COVID-19 to get in touch on 0300 123 23 23 or at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk as they may be able to donate too.

The plasma with the most antibodies tends to come from people who were more ill. For this reason, there is a particular need for recovered donors who are male, or who are aged over 35, or who were hospitalised.

Their plasma is most likely to be able to save lives. The number of plasma donation appointments in Bradford will increase further as the national plasma programme expands. NHSBT is taking donations at its 23 donor centres and at special ‘pop-up’ venues around the country.

Professor David Roberts, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation, said: “Convalescent plasma donation is safe and easy. If you get the call, please donate. Help your NHS fight COVID-19.”

Convalescent plasma donation takes about 45 minutes, during which time you can sit back and relax. 

Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours and you can get on with your normal day after donating. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.

Although there is some evidence of patient benefit from the use of convalescent plasma, the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma transfusions needs to be confirmed by a robust clinical trial.