Convalescent plasma donations phased-out at Hoxworth Blood Center
Demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma has dropped in recent weeks
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati says it has phased out its COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma donation program effective March 18, 2021. With the recent decrease in hospitalization rates for COVID-19, demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma has dropped to the point at which current inventories are sufficient to meet projections of patient need.
Hoxworth first began working with donors who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection to donate plasma rich in antibodies in early April 2020. That’s when the first donors in our region, who had recovered from a COVID-19 infection, became eligible to donate. Since then, 2,508 donors gave more than 5,539 units.
I’m so proud of everyone on our team who has helped recruit, qualify, schedule, test, process, and deliver donations over the last year. Most of all, we thank the individual donors that stepped forward to help COVID-19 patients.
David Oh, MD Chief Medical Officer, Hoxworth Blood Center
“The community response to our CCP program has been nothing short of amazing,” said David Oh, MD, Hoxworth Chief Medical Officer. “I’m so proud of everyone on our team who has helped recruit, qualify, schedule, test, process and deliver donations over the last year. Most of all, we thank the individual donors that stepped forward to help COVID-19 patients.”
Convalescent plasma contains antibodies to the COVID-19 virus and are used in the treatment of patients hospitalized with a COVID-19 infection. CCP units may be stored in a frozen state for up to one year after the date of donation. Hoxworth continues to maintain an inventory of the product should the need arise.
“We are fortunate that the vaccinations are now in place and that the infection rate has dropped dramatically. Therefore, our needs have changed,” explains Dr. Oh. “We now need the Tristate community to make a lifesaving platelet donation that will be used in the treatment of cancer patients. The donation process is very similar to the automated convalescent plasma procedure.”
To schedule your appointment to donate, contact Hoxworth at 513-451-0910 or online at hoxworth.org.
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati was founded in 1938 and serves over 30 hospitals and medical facilities in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Hoxworth collects blood from local donors to help save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center: Saving Lives Close to Home.
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