Londoners who have contracted and since recovered from the coronavirus are being asked to donate their blood plasma to help the NHS.
While the efficacy of the treatment is still under scrutiny, NHS England said transfusion of blood plasma that contains Covid-19 antibodies could help those who are still battling the virus after contracting it.
Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid that makes up about half your blood volume. After a virus, your plasma contains antibodies that help fight infection.
'Convalescent plasma made a significant contribution to my recovery.'
— NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) November 11, 2020
John is the first person in England to have received convalescent plasma treatment, and donate plasma himself. 💛 If you've had #coronavirus, find out how you could help save lives.https://t.co/bVMwQmJxSl pic.twitter.com/iLLWcj7NcM
"You can donate 28 days after you feel better, but you can register your interest in donating now.
"Some people will give a blood sample to check their antibody levels rather than donating straightaway.
"Donating takes about 45 minutes, and the whole visit including snacks and health checks takes around 1 hour 15 minutes," NHS England said.
Donors are now being recruited via the Track and Trace app, which is one of the ways to sign up.
"Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and plasma you donate so you may be able to give regularly and potentially help more people," the health service website reminded potential donors.
For full details about how to donate, click here.
In London, you can donate at one of the following centres:
- Bexleyheath Donor Centre (Danson Youth Centre, Brampton Road, DA7 4EZ).
- Croydon Donor Centre (52-53 Centrale Shopping Centre, 21 N End, Croydon
CR0 1TY).
- Tooting Donor Centre (75 Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, SW17 0RB).Â
- Twickenham Donor Centre (Floor 8, Regal House, 70 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3QS).Â
- West End Donor Centre (26 Margaret Street, Marylebone W1W 8NB).
- Westfield Shopping Mall Donor Centre (Lower ground floor, Westfield, Stratford City E20 1EJ).Â
- Edgware Donor Centre, Westgate House, Edgware Community Hospital, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware HA8 0AD).Â
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