NHS appealing for plasma donors to help war against Covid-19

People can only donate 28 days after they’ve recovered, so the number of potential donors is now at the highest ever level following the national record number of cases over the New Year.

The antibody-rich plasma of people who’ve had the disease might save the lives of people who struggle to develop their own immune response to the virus.

Professor Dave Roberts, associate medical director for blood donation at NHSBT, said: “We especially need donations from people in Luton who’ve had hospital care. Men who had hospital care are around six times more likely to have the high antibody levels which might save lives.”

NHSBT is collecting plasma for new trials for older people or those with cancer to treat them early in the course of the infection.

Donations are being taken at NHSBT’s 23 blood donor centres and a further 20 pop-up centres. Your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and donated antibodies.

All donations are tested for Covid antibodies and over 1,350 donations have already been taken at Luton’s Bridge Street donor centre.

Men, black and Asian people, and people aged over 35, are more likely to have the high antibody levels needed for donation. To register, visit: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk