Veteran Affairs Southern Nevada Healthcare System is partnering with Vitalant Blood Services in encouraging recovered COVID-19 patients to donate COVID convalescent plasma (CCP).
These much-needed plasma units could save lives of local Veterans who may be fighting against the virus in the future.
Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that contains antibodies. The body generates these blood proteins to fight against specific infections, such as COVID-19. Antibodies can directly attack the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as cells that the virus has entered.
For CCP donations, many of the same requirements and criteria for blood donations still apply. However, there are some differences compared to normal blood donations.
Only people who have tested positive and recovered from COVID-19 are eligible to donate CCP. Donors who are between 14-27 days without symptoms will need a confirmed negative test result, while those who are more than 28 days out do not. With plasma, donors can donate every seven to ten days, depending on the donor’s health.
Individuals interested in donating convalescent plasma, should contact Lynda Kruithoff at (702) 791-9000 extension 13257 to begin the screening process.
To learn more about the criteria for CCP donation, visit here.