Call for Donors: COVID-19 Plasma Trial

In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, Rochester General Hospital and the Center for Clinical Research is participating in a national clinical trial testing a new therapy for COVID-19. 

We’re looking for members of our community who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, and recovered, to donate blood. The goal of the trial is to see if blood from people who have previously had COVID-19 will help patients recover from the life-threatening disease.

What we know

With confirmed cases growing worldwide, scientists are continuing to look to develop vaccines and treatments to slow the spread of the virus and lessen the impact of the disease on our communities. One area that is being investigated is whether plasma—the liquid portion of blood—from recovered patients may help those who are critically ill with COVID-19 fight the infection. 

For some diseases, giving people plasma from those who have recovered from a virus leads to more rapid recovery from the disease. Patients with COVID-19 may improve faster if they receive plasma from those who have already had and recovered from COVID-19.

Initial data available from studies using COVID-19 convalescent plasma for the treatment of individuals with severe or life-threatening diseases indicate that a single dose of 200 mL showed a benefit for some patients.

The clinical trial aims to find out more information about whether convalescent plasma can provide clinical benefit to patients affected by the disease.

How you can help

If you are recovered from COVID-19 and meet the following criteria, please consider being a blood donor for this trial:

• You were thought to be positive for COVID-19, with or without being confirmed by a lab test
• 17 years of age or older
• Weigh at least 110 pounds

Fill out the donor eligibility form from the American Red Cross. They will contact you to schedule a time to donate.