Raleigh blood center reports urgent need for convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There is an urgent new call for people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma.

The Blood Connection, a nonprofit community blood center in Raleigh, reports demand for convalescent plasma has tripled as the number of cases rises.

Convalescent plasma can drastically help many COVID-19 patients battling the virus.

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Donors must be symptom-free for at least 14 days and have proof of a positive COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibody test in order to donate.

"COVID is like a sprinter. It runs a 100-yard dash really, really fast," said TBC Medical Director, Robert Rainer in a statement. "Blood plasma gives the patient a 50-yard head start, so it lets their immune system catch up and get ahead of the infection."

Call 800-392-6551 to make an appointment to donate.