This is your ultimate guide to plasma donation for Covid-19

The second wave of covid-19 has paralysed the country, and has instilled immense fear in people about serious repercussions of this virus. There are many today, who are battling for their lives in hospitals, while there are others who are struggling to get supplemental oxygen to breathe properly. Even amid this scenario, there has been a lot of misinformation that is being circulated on all social media platforms, making people confused about what’s right or not. 

Let’s just say: plasma donation for covid-19 is definitely not a fake claim. But what does it really entail and can everyone go for it? Let’s find out all about it. 

What is plasma therapy?

Plasma therapy, which is also called ‘convalescent plasma therapy’, is a procedure to cure coronavirus. In this treatment, the yellowish liquid portion of the blood that is extracted from a person, who has recovered from covid-19. This liquid is then injected into a patient, who is suffering from the infection. The laboratories can separate plasma from the blood through a process called centrifugation. 

How does it work?

Plasma is helpful in curing covid-19, because it contains antibodies. When your body has successfully fought an infection, the antibodies it produces are stored in the plasma. By injecting the plasma of someone who has recovered into someone who has covid-19, the latter person is likely to heal faster.

When can you donate?

But remember, you can donate when you’re still fighting the infection, because your body is still generating antibodies. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the best time to donate is about two weeks after you have completely recovered from the infection. But yes, if you want to donate plasma, you need to show evidence that you have contracted covid-19.

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Some do’s and don’ts listed by the government

The Indian government has listed a few do’s and don’ts for plasma donation. Also, it is essential to remember that plasma can be administered within seven days of the onset of symptoms and in moderate cases.

1. Always carry a hard copy of the covid-19 negative report (RT-PCR or rapid antigen test) within four months of the day of donation and your Aadhar Card (front and back).

2. Donate only after 14 days of a covid-19 positive report, if the person is asymptomatic or after 14 days of symptoms, if the person is symptomatic.

3. Women who have ever been pregnant cannot donate covid-19 convalescent plasma.

4. A person who has received the covid-19 vaccination will not be able to donate plasma for 28 days from the date of vaccination.

5. A person can not donate if he/she gets rejected for the lack of adequate antibodies in the blood.

6. Please contact hospital authorities for any other information in advance, on phone.

Eligibility criteria

1. The donor should weigh 50 kilos and above;

2. They must be between the ages of 18 and 60;

3. They should preferably have had symptoms (fever, cold, cough, etc), since such patients have a greater possibility of possessing anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG antibodies as compared to an asymptomatic patient. Asymptomatic recovered patients can also donate if antibodies are present.

4. 28 days after a complete resolution of symptoms

Who can receive plasma?

1. Those in the early stages of covid-19;
2. Plasma should be administered within 3-7 days of the onset of symptoms, but no later than 10 days;
3. Those who have no IgG Antibody against COVID-19.

How much can one donate?

A donor can donate up to 500 ml of plasma (according to weight) more than once, with a gap of 15 days. The process can last up to four hours, but if the donor experiences any uneasiness or discomfort, he/she must tell the doctor immediately.

So now that you know all about plasma donation, go for it today!