Early on in the COVID pandemic, physicians drew on the knowledge that convalescent plasma had been used successfully to fight other diseases, and began to treat people who were hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19 with plasma taken from patients who had recovered from the disease.

After many research trials, the FDA updated the rules regarding the use of COVID convalescent plasma, or CCP. It is now only given to hospitalized patients as early as possible after the onset of disease, before patients are critically ill. Only plasma containing the highest levels of antibodies (high titer levels) is used.

Studies are on-going and analysis is being published weekly about plasma use all over the world. Leading plasma experts recently discussed the rationale behind plasma treatment, and the lives lost due to plasma hesitancy during the peak of the pandemic. Additional publications are available here, on the medRxiv preprint server and in multiple scientific journals such as BMJ, Lancet and JAMA

Blood and blood products, such as plasma and Red Blood Cells, are essential tools used to aid people facing a variety of health challenges, from simple surgeries to sickle cell disease to cancer. Multiple organizations collect and distribute blood to hospitals all over the country. The drive to collect CCP led to an increased public awareness about the need for blood products. However, the pandemic also caused a national shortage of blood products as COVID forced people to stay home and stay safe.

Blood donations remain desperately needed. Please considering giving now, and giving often.

As a recovered COVID-19 Survivor, your blood likely contains antibodies to the disease. By donating your plasma, you could help heal someone still suffering. #BeASuperhero!