According to reliable sources, United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) has filed an appeal to the individuals recuperated from novel coronavirus to donate blood plasma. The organization apparently intends to treat the people who get infected during the anticipated second wave.

The recent development comes along the heels of a 50% drop in the number of bookings for the NHSBT (NHS Blood and Transplant) plasma collections per week. This is primarily because of scarcity of eligible plasma donors due to the fall in new contaminations amidst the lockdown, sources claimed.

NHSBT’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gail Miffin was reported saying that around 13,000 donations have been recorded, however additional donations are required in order to prioritize the victims of the second wave. He further stated that the collected plasma can be utilized for over three years.

Miffin further elaborated that although the COVID-19 curve is flattening, the organization is required to put in more efforts towards recruiting new donors, especially the ones who have recovered.

If sources are to be believed, men are particularly being urged to volunteer after investigations which indicated that they are better plasma donors since they produce a greater number of coronavirus antibodies as compared to women.

A preliminary trial is reportedly being conducted which is looking into how patients with low immunity can be treated by transfusing convalescent plasma. Sources further cited that plasma donations are being carried out in advance since NHS intends to offer readily available stocks.

Reportedly, well known comedian, Hal Cruttenden, has taken the initiative to donate convalescent plasma twice after recovering from the virus. England’s oldest donor, 72-year-old Malcolm Shaw, who is believed to have sufficient antibodies will also be making his fourth donation.

In other news, NHS England is planning to invest around 160 million pounds in their newly introduced COVID-friendly cancer medication which allegedly does not affect the patient’s immune system.

Source credits: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/03/nhs-appeals-for-urgent-plasma-donations-from-covid-19-coronavirus-survivors

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/03/nhs-england-spends-160m-on-new-covid-friendly-cancer-drugs