INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University Health is seeking blood plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19.
According to a news release from IU Health, people who have recovered from the virus might have antibodies in their blood that can fight and control COVID-19.
Following a blood plasma donation, the antibodies would be collected and transfused to COVID-19 patients in a process known as convalescent plasma transfusion.
“At this point there are no vaccinations or proven medications to treat COVID-19,” said Dr. Nicolas Barros, a transplant infectious diseases specialist at IU Health and assistant professor of clinical medicine at IU School of Medicine. “The use of convalescent plasma is an investigational new treatment that could prove successful in the management of the disease.”
Donors who have been symptom-free for 28 days must be able to prove they had COVID-19 by producing a positive, documented laboratory test.
People who have recovered from COVID-19 and would like to donate plasma should complete an online screening form. If they qualify, they will be contacted by an IU Health nurse who will provide instructions on how to make their donation.
