NHSBT appeal for people who have had coronavirus to donate plasma

Wednesday, 23rd December, 2020

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urgently appealing for more people to donate plasma to support the national response to the second wave of coronavirus infections.

What is plasma?

Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid that makes up about half your blood volume. After a virus, your plasma contains antibodies that help fight infection.

A transfusion of plasma from someone who has recovered from coronavirus may help people who are still ill.

Trials are underway to understand the effectiveness of this treatment. Donated plasma is being stored so that if the trials show benefits to patients, there are stocks ready to use at hospitals around the country.

Donating plasma

Some people will give a blood sample to check their antibody levels rather than donating straightaway.

Donating takes about 45 minutes, and the whole visit including snacks and health checks takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.

You can donate at one of our donor centres in England.

Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and plasma you donate so you may be able to give regularly and potentially help more people.

How you can help?

Please register your interest in donating plasma if you:

  • have had coronavirus (either a positive test or symptoms)
  • are over 17

You can find more information or register your interest by visiitng the NHSBT website here.