Scientists devise method to decrease coronavirus count in plasma, blood

Ever since COVID-19 has ravaged the globe, claiming more than 3 lakh lives, various research organizations and scientists the world over, have been striving to introduce a vaccine or a medication or a potential method which could not only reduce the effect of coronavirus in the patient’s body, but also completely destroy the virus which has severely disrupted the global economy today.

Speaking on the same lines, researchers have demonstrated that exposing the coronavirus to riboflavin and UV light minimizes the viral count in human blood products and plasma, which might potentially help lower the possibility of transmission of via blood transfusion.

Although scientists from Colorado State University in the United States, have been uncertain about the transmission of novel coronavirus via blood transfusion, they have recently introduced a device- Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System for treatment of three whole-blood products and nine plasma. The device has been invented by the senior author of study from CSU, Ray Goodrich, and is considered to operate by exposing the blood product or plasma to ultraviolet light.

According to reliable reports, the device might help avoid the incidence of 1980s, when HIV was transmitted through blood products and blood while scientists were still figuring out to isolating and identifying the root cause of dreaded virus spread. However, Goodrich cited that the developed system is now approved for use outside the US, particularly in Europe and the MEA.

Commenting on the novel innovation launch, Heather Pidcoke, a co-author on the study explained that plasma or the blood products is placed in an exclusively designed storage bag, post which the riboflavin solution is added to it, and the mixture is further exposed to the UV light. He further adds that the given research might offer assistance to people who are using the system outside the United states.

Amidst umpteen trials and advancements being undertaken to treat coronavirus, the chances of this cure yielding positive results is still questionable.

Source credit: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/scientists-develop-method-reduce-coronavirus-102500905.html