Convalescent Plasma: Could It Be a Miracle Treatment?
Researchers and scientists all over the globe have spent months trying to find and develop treatments and preventative measures for the novel coronavirus that causes the illness COVID-19. Since its first appearance in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the coronavirus has ripped through the world, causing the entire global economy to grind to a halt. Even though some countries are reopening slowly, new outbreaks have been slowing that process down. Now, researchers are more focused than ever on finding a new way to fight the disease, and one older method could be showing promise.
What Is Convalescent Plasma?
The use of convalescent plasma as a treatment for various diseases is not a new concept. In fact, this treatment has been in use for over a hundred years to treat other illnesses, including MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome), a disease caused by a similar coronavirus. The theory is that taking plasma from survivors of a particular disease can help those currently suffering from it.
Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood left over when white and red blood cells are removed, contains antibodies and various proteins related to the body’s immune system response. Though not a cure, the convalescent plasma treatment shows promise in helping those currently suffering from COVID-19 recover faster and keeping the disease from being as severe as it might otherwise be.
The Difficulties
Despite the potential for convalescent plasma treatments to help COVID-19 patients, some experts are cautious about offering the treatment too soon to a wider patient base. There are some challenges in studying its effectiveness, including the wide variation in concentration of antibodies in different people. Additionally, in some parts of the world, the testing equipment is prohibitively expensive and the necessary containment procedures are difficult to execute, making the research even more challenging. A potential treatment needs to go through a process of rigorous clinical trials to assess its effectiveness accurately. With doctors still using convalescent plasma on a compassionate basis with patients, it is difficult to determine its true benefits.
Donations Needed
The FDA is currently calling for COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma to help with continued research and treatment of current patients. If you have had COVID-19 and have been fully recovered from the illness for at least two weeks, you should consider making a plasma donation. You must have had a positive COVID-19 lab test and meet other criteria for blood donors to qualify.