Luton Blood Donor Centre to collect samples from recovered coronavirus patients in new trial

The NHS is reassuring blood and platelet donors in Luton that they should not be concerned if their appointment is cancelled over the next few weeks.

Donor centres are beginning to collect plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to support a national clinical trial.

To free up appointments, some blood and platelet donation appointments in Luton are being cancelled and rescheduled.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said: “We are still collecting blood and platelet in Luton so please keep making appointments to donate. Donation saves lives.

“This new trial is part of the national research effort against the coronavirus and we hope people understand if we make any changes to your appointment.

"If your appointment is cancelled until another day it means we have good blood and platelet stocks, and the appointment time can be used for someone to donate plasma to a seriously ill COVID-19 patient.”

NHS Blood and Transplant services state that the "fantastic response" of donors during the coronavirus pandemic means blood and platelet stocks are currently above average.

The spokesman added: "Freeing up appointments will enable more donations that could save the lives of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

"Since the outbreak, we have seen drop in demand for blood and platelet as hospitals cancel non-urgent surgery such as hip operations. This means there is enough capacity to change blood and platelet donation appointments into plasma donation appointments.

"The plasma trial will investigate whether transfusions of antibody rich plasma from people who have recovered could help people who are still unwell. Plasma will be mainly collected in selected cities with blood donor centres.

"We would encourage any blood and platelet donors who have had their appointment cancelled to re-book an appointment for a future date at by calling 0300 123 23 23, visiting blood.co.uk or using the NHSGiveBlood app."