Blood to be collected from patients who recover from virus for clinical trials

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is initiating the collection of plasma from people who have recovered from Covid-19 from this week.

Blood to be collected from patients recovered from Covid-19

SNBTS will be collecting blood from people who have tested positive for the virus that causes Covid-19 once they have recovered and at least 28 days have passed since their symptoms have disappeared.

Prof Marc Turner, Medical Director of SNBTS, said: “When someone recovers from Covid-19, they develop antibodies to fight the virus that causes the illness – SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies can be found in the recovered person’s plasma and should make them immune to future infections of this virus for a period of time.

“Recent reports suggest some patients who are ill with Covid-19 may benefit from a transfusion of plasma manufactured from blood given by eligible donors who have recovered from the virus.

“However, this needs to be confirmed through clinical trials which are being organised on a UK-wide basis.”

He added: “At this time, people who think they have had Covid19 but have not been tested cannot donate for this purpose as we have no way to confirm their infection. If that changes we will issue further advice.

“Existing blood donors who have recovered can donate as normal once well.”

The SNBTS say that the wellbeing of donors, recipients and staff is their main priority and they recognise that not everyone who recovers from Covid-19 will be able to donate. They say the normal provisions around donor eligibility criteria apply to make sure that giving blood is safe for both the donor and patient. During the Coronavirus Pandemic SNBTS say they have taken great care to minimise any risk and introduced measures that follow all necessary social distancing and health and safety precautions.

NHS Blood and Transplant in England and Wales is also asking people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood.