New plasma donation centre to open in Chichester as treatment trials for COVID-19 expand
Plasma donors are now needed in the area.
A new blood plasma donation centre is set to open in Chichester in support of two COVID-19 treatment trials.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is opening the site as the "world’s largest plasma trial for COVID-19 expands".
The Chichester donor centre is one of 14 new plasma donation centres opening.
It will open in the next few weeks, although the final venue is still being agreed and will be "announced shortly".
NHSBT is now urging people in Chichester who have had coronavirus to register as donors, so they can be booked into appointments in advance.
The antibody-rich plasma of people who have had coronavirus can be transfused into those who are struggling to develop their own immune response.
These antibodies "could slow or stop the virus spreading, which could save lives", according to NHSBT.
But, before general use of convalescent plasma, patient benefit needs to be demonstrated in randomised control trials.
These trials, led by NHSBT, are said to be the world’s largest randomised clinical trials of convalescent plasma.
Donations are now needed so that if the trial confirms patient benefit, plasma can be made readily available for general use in the NHS.
Hospitals in West Sussex have transfused around four people.
NHSBT currently collects plasma in 28 areas and Chichester is one of 14 chosen for the expansion of autumn and winter because it is said to have a significant number of potential donors.
Professor David Roberts, NHSBT associate medical director for blood donation, and also one of the trial’s principal investigators, said:
"We have so far seen a fantastic response from the public.
"We would love to see people in Chichester offering to donate so we can book them into donation appointments now.
"Donation is safe and easy, and you could save lives."
Donation takes about 45 minutes. The whole visit – including the donation, snacks and checks - takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours. Your body also quickly replaces the donated antibodies. All donations are tested for COVID antibodies. NHSBT is collaborating with the REMAP-CAP and RECOVERY trials.
Anybody who has had confirmed coronavirus or the symptoms, can find out more and volunteer to donate plasma online.