In Vitebsk, almost all donors donate anti-COVID plasma repeatedly - a doctor

In Vitebsk, since April of this year, more than 80 donors have donated blood plasma with antibodies to coronavirus infection, and almost all of them do it twice, said Darya Kurbanova, head of the department for recruitment of blood donors and its components at the Unified Donor Center of the regional blood transfusion station.

Donors are mainly people aged 20 and older, and they undergo a medical examination before donating. "People are quite active, they seek consultations. Almost all donors, after donating plasma once, come back to do it again," noted transfusion specialist Darya Kurbanova.

According to her, 600 ml of plasma is collected from one donor. The process of donating biomaterial takes about 40 minutes. After that, it is frozen and stored for six months.

People aged 18 to 60, who have had COVID-19 and have fully recovered, can become donors of blood plasma for coronavirus patients. At least 15 days must have passed since full recovery, and the person must have antibodies. Potential donors are also tested for other infections and undergo a comprehensive examination. Certain diseases and contraindications can be restrictions for donation.

Today, 11 people came to the Vitebsk Regional Blood Transfusion Station to donate plasma. Among them is Svetlana from Vitebsk. She became a plasma donor for the first time, having previously donated blood 22 times. "The coronavirus situation is alarming, so I would like to help people in this way and not stand aside. Moreover, I am a regular donor," said the young woman, adding that she is ready to donate plasma again if she has antibodies.