Combat COVID-19 by donating plasma

 By Military Health System | August 20 | 2020

In June 2020, the , Department of Defense began an effort to collect donated units of plasma from patients who have fully recovered from COVID-19 to support the development of an effective treatment against the disease. The DoD’s goal is to obtain 10,000 COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) units by September 30, 2020.

Donations will be accepted at Armed Services Blood Program donation centers across the continental United States, and in Hawaii, Guam and Germany, or through scheduled mobile collection drives.

Collected CCP will be available for treatment of COVID-positive patients in DoD treatment facilities who meet established criteria and in accordance with approved protocols. CCP may also be pre-positioned with Combatant Commands in the event of approval for prophylactic use.

CCP will be used to treat critically ill patients and to support the development of an effective treatment against the disease.

Collection of plasma from recovered COVID-19 beneficiaries will help the DoD develop therapeutics to support active duty service members to ensure readiness.

"This this the time to encourage the community to step up and donate — during a developing crisis — and help their brothers and sisters in arms stand ready. We are asking for you to continue scheduling and keep blood drive dates to the best of your ability. The is now." — Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Place, Director, Defense Health Agency

What is convalescent plasma?

Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood from patients who have recovered from an infection. Antibodies present in convalescent plasma are proteins that might help fight the coronavirus infection.

It is being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19 because there is no approved treatment for this disease at present.

How does it work?

The collection process for this type of plasma is the same as standard plasma collection. Here's how treatment works:

Recovered coronavirus patient donates plasma

Blood is tested

Plasma is stored and transported to hospital

Patient treated with plasma

Therapy complete

Patient may become donor

Through the blood donation process, this convalescent plasma is collected from a recovered person and transfused into a sick patient who is still fighting the virus. While it is not known for certain that the treatment will be effective, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests CCP may boost the immune system of the patient and help with the recovery process.

Are you eligible for this program?

The Armed Services Blood Program is currently looking for people who have fully recovered from the coronavirus to give convalescent plasma for seriously ill COVID-19 patients. You may quality if you:

Are at least 17 years old, weight at least 110 pounds and in good health, and feel well.

Have a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 and meet specific laboratory criteria

Are symptom-free of COVID-19 for 14 days of more

NOTE: If you have been pregnant, additional testing may be needed to determine if you have developed HLA antibodies since your last pregnancy.

Blood donor centers

Eligible donors should contact the Armed Services Blood Program at https://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/COVID-19andBloodDonation.aspx to find a complete list of available collection centers.

For safety and efficiency of the donation process for both donor and staff, please contact your local blood donor center FIRST before coming in to donate. If it is established you might be a candidate, a donation appointment will be set.

Once the appointment is confirmed, the donor must bring the required documentation and undergo the standard donation procedure.

Final determination will be made by the medical director or designee.