NHS BT seeks plasma donations from COVID recoverees

August 7, 2020

NHS Blood and Transplant have launched a call for people, and particularly those of Asian descent, to consider donating blood for both study and transfusion.

NHS BT, the NHS organisation specifically for blood donation, are working to secure donations of  from people have recovered from the virus as their antibody-rich blood plasma can be transfused into people who are still ill and benefit them. The request for Asian individuals in particular to come forward stems from Asian people have much higher antibody levels, which means they are even more likely to be able to save lives. NHS BT have issued the following message:

Asian people who recover from coronavirus have high antibody levels. This means their plasma can save the lives of other people. Coronavirus is attacking the Asian population more than the wider community, so there is a great need for donors. Asian people have made up a significant proportion of donors so far. Plasma donation is safe and easy. Your body quickly replaces the plasma and antibodies.

To find out more about donating plasma to help save a life, visit http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/.