The Food and Drug Administration reported more than 1,040 sites and 950 physician investigators nationwide have signed on to possibly access convalescent plasma in patients currently fighting off COVID-19. Plasma donated by recovered COVID-19 patients can be used in the development of blood-related therapies.
San Diego Blood Bank representative Claudine VanGonka said they are screening individuals to determine whether potential donors are eligible to give convalescent plasma. Those donations are being drawn at six regional Blood Bank donation centers.
“Many of the places that we usually use for blood donation drives are closed: churches are not in session and colleges are closed so we’re asking everyone to go to the website and sign up for screening at one of our regional centers. That site is sandiegobloodbank.org/donateplasma,” VanGonka said.
One hurdle, she said, is having many people sign up for screening who ultimately do not medically qualify to donate convalescent plasma.
“We are taking anyone who passes the screening to donate their plasma. There have been cases in which it has proven here and there to be somewhat effective in treating people with COVID-19,” VanGonka said.
According to The American Red Cross, plasma donors over the age of 18 must weigh 110 pounds, be in good health, and have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19 but currently be symptom-free and fully recovered.
There are additional requirements for younger donors as well as guidelines for all donors based on their medical history.
VanGonka said the San Diego Blood Bank is also accepting appointments for future blood donations.
“In San Diego the blood supply is very stable. However, we are both part of a larger organization that governs blood supply in different cities. Here, we’re at a stable level because when we put out the call for drives we got a great response. Our messaging right now is that if you want to help by donating blood, please make an appointment for the next four weeks because blood has a shelf life,” VanGonka said.
Type ‘O’ blood is especially needed.To make an appointment for blood donations, visit sandiegobloodbank.org
