OneBlood is now collecting plasma from coronavirus survivors to transfuse to patients still fighting the battle against COVID-19. The not-for-profit blood center serves Florida, North Carolina and other areas in the southeastern United States. The blood donation center is calling out to possible blood donor candidates to help with their cause.

OneBlood is on a Roll

OneBlood is one of the largest blood centers in the United States that has the latest technology to collect, test, and process plasma from donors. They work in cooperation with the federal government and prepare to participate at a national level to be able to provide convalescent plasma to those who urgently need it.

According to Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations at OneBlood, they are actively searching for qualified donors and organizing for their donations. She says that some donations have been sent to hospitals in need within 24 hours of a person donating.

OneBlood is also coordinating with their hospital partners and doctors to identify coronavirus recovery patients who could be potential donors quickly.

Hope in Convalescent Plasma Therapy

Patients who recover from COVID-19 have developed antibodies in their system that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Antibodies aid in preventing viruses from entering and compromising the body and prompts the immune system to fight back.

Transfusion of the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person who still has the virus can help boost the person's immune system, and possibly aid in recovery. There have been reports about the potential of using convalescent plasma therapy in some patients with coronavirus.

In a pilot study done in China, doctors from Wuhan gave convalescent plasma to 10 critically ill patients with coronavirus. Within three days, their virus levels dropped dramatically, and severe symptoms such as shortness of breath improved.

A similar study led by Lei Liu from Shenzhen Third People's hospital gave convalescent plasma to five severe coronavirus cases. Results showed drastic improvements within ten days after the infusion. Three of the five patients were even able to come off their ventilators.

Information for Potential Donors

OneBlood turned to social media to bring awareness to people who have recovered from the coronavirus and how much they are needed. People who think they may be a candidate are urged to go to OneBlood's website to fill out the online form. Upon meeting the criteria set by the FDA, donors will be contacted by OneBlood to coordinate regarding their donation.

Listed below are the donor eligibility requirements set by the FDA:

• COVID-19 convalescent plasma will only be collected if the donor is deemed eligible to donate blood

• Prior testing must be done, and the donation must be found sufficient

• A documented laboratory test confirming a prior diagnosis of COVID-19

• Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days before the donation

• Possessing a negative result for COVID-19

• Meet all standard FDA requirements for blood donation

Moreover, the recipients of the plasma will also have to meet FDA criteria to qualify in receiving convalescent therapy.