Potential Coronavirus Plasma Donors Must Meet Qualifications

After two South Jersey residents became the first two new coronavirus patients in New Jersey to full recover thanks to convalescent plasma transfusions last month, other residents who have recovered from the virus have expressed interest in donating.

In April, a donation by Marisa Leuzzi, of Downington, Pa., provided enough blood to save her 63-year-old aunt and a 61-year-old man, both of whom were on ventilators due to their fights with coronavirus. Read more here: First 2 NJ Coronavirus Patients Recover After Plasma Therapy

The American Red Cross has taken the lead on plasma donations. Anyone who wishes to donate plasma to help coronavirus patients should call the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS to make an appointment.

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According to Red Cross spokeswoman Alana Mauger, the eligibility for convalescent plasma is the same as the Red Cross’s regular blood donation eligibility, with some additional requirements.
Donors must be full recovered from their fight with the coronavirus, meaning they have to be symptom-free for at least 14 days and have a negative test for the virus after having first tested positive. They can also be symptom-free for 28 days without a negative test.

People can also donate convalescent plasma without ever having an actual test, although donation preference is given to those with a confirmed diagnosis, as they are more likely to carry the antibodies.

The only way to make a donation through the Red Cross is to register at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.

General blood donation eligibility applies, including that donors must be 17 years old, or 16 years old in New Jersey with parental consent. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling generally well on the day of donation. Donors are screened on site for their hemoglobin levels, which account for most deferrals. There are also medical and travel restrictions. A full list of eligibility criteria is available here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/faq.html#eligibility.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know