Donate Convalescent Plasma to Fight COVID-19

To find a local blood bank by ZIP code, check the lookup tools by the AABB, America’s Blood Centers, and Blood Centers of America. For information on the plasma donation process and guidance on where to donate, you can also visit The Fight Is In Us and FDA website.

Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. It contains antibodies that help fight off infections. Plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19 will have antibodies against the virus. This is called convalescent plasma. It can be donated to potentially help others fight the infection and recover from COVID-19. While this treatment is still investigational, convalescent plasma has been shown to be safe and seems to be a promising therapy for some patients.

There is an emergent need to increase the supply of convalescent plasma. To help current COVID-19 patients fight the infection, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate their convalescent plasma.

Eligibility requirements may vary by blood bank, but in general, the following can donate:

• People age 17+ weighing at least 110 pounds.
• Those with a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now symptom free and fully recovered for at least 14 days.
• People in good health and generally feeling well, even if being treated for a chronic condition.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for investigational convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Although studies have shown that the treatment is promising, the FDA has not yet given full approval beyond the EUA designation. Studies continue to evaluate its use against COVID-19. The FDA and National Institute of Health encourage convalescent plasma donation and participation in clinical trials.

Donating convalescent plasma:

• Is painless, safe, and free
• Does not require insurance
• Is similar to donating blood
• Takes about 45 minutes
• May help save lives!

Recovered COVID-19 patients may donate more than once.

For questions, contact (877) PLASMA9 or
(877) 752-7629.

Learn more about convalescent plasma donation by visiting the following websites:

• AABB
• America’s Blood Centers
• American Red Cross
• Armed Services Blood Program
• Blood Centers of America
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Coronavirus.gov
• CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance
• FDA
• MAYO Clinic Convalescent Plasma Therapy
• National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project
• National Expanded Access Treatment Protocol
• Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association
• The Fight Is In Us