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Convalescent Plasma needed for COVID-19 research

Posted at 4:00 AM, Aug 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-12 12:27:11-04

Our Lady of Lourdes is in need of Convalescent Plasma donations.

The plasma, collected from recovered COVID-19 patients, contains antibodies of the virus. It is being used to treat severe cases.

While it is still in its early stages, Dr. Frank Courmier, a physician with Our Lady of Lourdes, said without the plasma they cannot continue the research.

"Not only are you getting a potential benefit, we aren't sure about that, we're also enrolling in a trial to help the rest of the world understand whether or not this is working," Courmier explained. "I think it's of primary importance. As we move forward in trying to find ways to combat this disease."

The process to donate Convalescent Plasma is simple and almost like giving blood.

Blood is drawn from a donor's arm and sent through a machine that collects the plasma from the blood.

The cells are then returned to the donor along with saline.

The entire process takes about an hour and a half.

Remember, you have to have had COVID-19 in order to donate.

You also have to be symptom free for at least 14 days.

For more information on Convalescent Plasma donation, click here.