The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) wants to hear from anyone who has recovered from COVID-19.
It has started a special convalescent plasma donation program for people who have recovered to help treat patients with advanced COVID-19 infections.
‘There’s a theory that convalescent plasma, which is the plasma obtained from people who have successfully battled COVID-19, could possibly help other people who have had serious cases of COVID-19 and end up hospitalized,” said Blood Bank of Delmarva spokesman Tony Prado.
He says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the collection process.
“The theory is that there are antibodies in the plasma of a person - I mean it’s not a theory - it’s a fact. And the theory is that this could help people recover more quickly in the hospital,” Prado said.
Prado says the Blood Bank will work with ChristianaCare and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, waiting for COVID-19 patients to reach full recovery - then asking them to participate in this new process.
Prado adds general blood donations are holding steady and the blood supply is in good shape across Delmarva right now.
“The response by the Delmarva community has been tremendous. And it’s no surprise to me that our folks always tend to step up during times like these," said Prado. "And we have had steady appointments; the blood supply is in good shape. We try to maintain a 7-day supply - for instance - of inventory.”
He adds anyone who wants to donate blood may need to be patient scheduling an appointment. The Blood Bank is currently booking appointments two to three weeks out.
