SA blood service collects convalescent plasma for trial treatment of Covid-19

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently participating in a collection of convalescent plasma for a national trial therapy, exploring options for the treatment of Covid-19.

The blood bank will be starting phase 2 clinical trials on plasma donated by recovered patients to test the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma in possible treatment.

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This includes supplying convalescent plasma to physicians treating patients with the virus in the context of the clinical trial.

Heeding the call issued by SANBS for convalescent plasma, SANBS Chief Executive Officer Dr Jonathan Louw, was one of the first people to join the registry and donate. Following what he called a ‘tough infection, coupled with a history of chronic asthma’, Dr Louw – one of the country’s earlier contractors of Covid-19 – said he is happy to have made a full recovery following his intense battle with the infection.

In the fight against Covid-19, SANBS is one of a few international blood transfusion services embarking on this exciting research. Currently there is no proven treatment to improve the outcome for these patients.

SANBS has written two research protocols; one to collect the plasma, and one to issue the plasma to patients enrolled in a randomised, Phase 2 placebo-controlled blinded clinical trial.

Covid-19 convalescent plasma donor registry
To participate, donors need to meet South Africa’s current plasma donor eligibility criteria and must:

* Be between the ages of 18 and 65;
* Weigh more than 55kgs;
* Have a previous positive diagnosis for COVID-19 by a laboratory test;
* Have fully recovered from the virus and have been free of symptoms for at least 28 days;
* Have access to a SANBS donor centre;
* Not have been previously pregnant.

Donors who meet these requirements can join the online registry by contacting Cynthia Nyoni at 082 553 9042 or 011 761 9279 for more information.

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