As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge across the country, so does the need for convalescent plasma. The American Red Cross urges eligible COVID-19 survivors to sign up to give now to help ensure patients battling the virus have continued access to all potentially lifesaving treatments. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 that contains antibodies that might help patients actively fighting the virus. The current increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations has led the Red Cross to distribute a record number of convalescent plasma products in the past month – a 250 percent increase in November compared to September.
The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at more than 170 locations throughout the country. If you have recovered from COVID-19, especially those with AB and B blood types, and are eligible to give, please sign-up to donate convalescent plasma now by clicking HERE. Type AB plasma is the only universal plasma type and can be given to patients of any blood type. Eligible convalescent plasma donors can give with the Red Cross every seven days for up to three months.
Each week, blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute hundreds of units of potentially lifesaving convalescent plasma for patients in need. In addition, this antibody testing initiative also helps provide insight for our donors concerning their possible prior exposure to this virus.