Abstract

Background: Plasma contains monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that is used to spread passive immunity against many diseases via transfusion (through plasmapheresis or from plasma prepared from whole blood). Convalescent means “recovering from sickness or debility”. The aim of this study is to study the characteristic details, analyse frequency rate of donation, analyse donor blood group in eligible COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors. Material And Methodology: The present study is undertaken in Blood Bank, Department of Pathology, P.D.U. Government Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot from 1st August, 2020 to 31st July, 2021. After screening, if the donor is suitable for conducting plasmapheresis, Covid Convalescent Plasma is separated from whole blood of donor by apheresis method using apheresis instrument named Fresenius Kabi and Optia and from whole blood by separation method. Separated plasma is stored at (-30)o Celsius or below for 1 year. Result: An analysis of 690 Covid Convalescent Plasma donors was done. Age group of donors in 4th decade showed highest number, male donors were more in number as compared to females in the ratio 45: 1. Donors with blood group ‘B positive’ were more in number followed by ‘O Positive’. Plasma was collected with the help of apheresis procedure (462 donations) as well as separation of plasma from whole blood (228 donations) of donors. Total effective plasma units collected were 1100 in number. Conclusion: People who recover from the coronavirus have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Transfusing plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.

Description