TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Blood centers are putting out a desperate call to coronavirus patients who have recovered.
Oneblood started collecting convalescent plasma in April. It's been used for some patients as a treatment for COVID-19.
But now the organization says the need for convalescent plasma is skyrocketing across its service area.
Oneblood explains it's not just because of the rise in cases but says some hospitals are using it at different stages in the treatment process.
"From May until now in comparison, we've had an increase of over 500 percent in the demand from hospitals," said Susan Forbes with OneBlood. "Now we're being told that we're using this more often with people who are not in the ICU but having breathing problems."
So eligible convalescent plasma donors are desperately needed. It can come from those who have tested positive and recovered, or had a positive antibody test.
Just be sure you've been symptom-free for at least 14 days.
One Blood says you can make a plasma-only donation every 28 days.
For more information click here.
