Hey Fort Worth, have you had COVID-19? Here’s how you can help someone else survive
North Texans who have won their fight against COVID-19 have something that could help others survive and doctors are asking for those people to share it: Their plasma.
Convalescent plasma has been given to critically ill coronavirus patients across the country — and more than 2,000 doses have been given to sick people in Dallas-Fort Worth — to help lessen the symptoms of COVID-19. As doctors learn more about the benefits of giving this plasma to their patients, there are worries that the supply levels could run low.
“It used to be that convalescent plasma was just indicated for desperately sick patients and then physicians realized it might be useful for individuals who weren’t desperately sick, but were on a ventilator,” Dr. Merlyn Sayers, the president and CEO of Carter BloodCare, said.
The net has been widened for patients who are approved to get the plasma — which contains antibodies of people who were previously infected with the disease.
“Over a period of time the indication has increased dramatically, so individuals were regarded as candidates as soon as they got to ICU and even before they were considered candidates for a ventilator,” Sayers said. “If there is a shortage, a contributor will be a broader spectrum of candidates who are recipients.”
The doses have also increased from two per patient to three in some cases, lessening the supply even more.
Dr. Allan Kelly, who treats COVID positive patients in Fort Worth, said that if supplies run low, doctors will adjust how they use it based on the need.
“It’ll be naturally adjusted so the plasma is given to our sickest patients,” he said. “But we want the community to know that we could sure use their plasma.”
For those who think they might be eligible to donate, Sayers said they should go to CarterBloodCare.org and then click on “convalescent plasma” from the main page.
“You can see what criteria have to be met for your candidacy to be approved and then you can request an eligibility appointment,” he said.
Along with being eligible to give plasma, donors must be eligible to give blood — so some people with certain conditions, on certain medication or with some traveling histories might not be able to give, the doctors said.
