On June 16th, an early analysis by the NHS indicates that Asian people who have recovered from Covid-19 are more likely to have the antibody-rich convalescent plasma which can save lives.
Asian donors, are now supporting NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT) appeal for more people to donate plasma to help people infected with Covid-19.
Currently, NHSBT is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial and if the trial is successful, it will be widely used in hospitals. The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered from Covid-19 can be transfused in people who are struggling to develop their own immune response. Bhairavi Sampat, an infection prevention and control nurse specialist who works at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, recently recovered from coronavirus and donated convalescent plasma at Tooting donor centre in south London. She said,
“I was very nervous about donating but it was actually easier than I expected. I think there needs to be more openness in the Asian community. There’s still some stigma around the virus, a lot of people wouldn’t even sat they had had the virus. It’s a simple procedure. You can help people who are less fortunate.”
Recent figures have showed the Asian convalescent plasma donors were almost twice as likely to have high antibody levels as white donors. 63% of Asian donors met the threshold, compared to 36% of white donors. These results are from donations made by 592 people between 21 April and May 11. Commenting on these observations, Prof Dave Roberts, NHS Blood and Transplant Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation said,
“These are early results from a relatively small number of donors but the results are statistically significant. Our donors so far from Asian backgrounds were more likely to have the plasma which could save lives than white donors.
“We are not yet sure why this is the case. The indications from our work so far, and past studies, is that the more seriously ill people become, the more antibodies they made. A Public Health England report suggested people from Asian communities who have Covid-19 have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
“We can reassure people that convalescent donation is safe and easy. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies you donate. By donating convalescent plasma, you could save lives.”
Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Luton and Leeds, as well as in pop-up donor centres.
Convalescent plasma donation takes about 45 minutes, during which time you can sit back and relax. Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours and you can get on with your normal day after donating. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.
