In Vitebsk, since April of this year, over 80 donors have donated blood plasma with antibodies to coronavirus infection, and almost all of them do so twice, reported Daria Kurganova, Head of the Department for Donor Recruitment, Blood and its Components, with the Unified Donor Centre of the Regional Blood Transfusion Station.
In Vitebsk, since April of this year, over 80 donors have donated blood plasma with antibodies to coronavirus infection, and almost all of them do so twice, reported Daria Kurganova, Head of the Department for Donor Recruitment, Blood and its Components, with the Unified Donor Centre of the Regional Blood Transfusion Station.
Donors are mainly people aged 20 and over, who undergo a medical examination beforehand. "People are quite active, they seek consultation. Almost all donors, after donating plasma once, come back to do it again," noted transfusion physician Daria Kurganova.
According to her, 600 ml of plasma is collected from one donor. The process of donating biomaterial itself takes about 40 minutes. After that, it is frozen and stored for six months.
People aged 18 to 60 who have had COVID-19 and have fully recovered can become blood plasma donors for coronavirus patients. At least 15 days must have passed since full recovery, and the person must have antibodies. Potential donors are also tested for other infections and undergo a comprehensive set of examinations. Certain diseases and contraindications may be restrictions for donation.
Today, 11 people came to the Vitebsk Regional Blood Transfusion Station to donate plasma. Among them is Svetlana from Vitebsk. She became a plasma donor for the first time, having previously donated blood 22 times. "The coronavirus situation is worrying, so I would like to help people in this way and not stand aside. Moreover, I am a regular donor," said the young woman, adding that if she has antibodies, she is ready to donate plasma again.