KBC Seeking Recovered COVID-19 Pateients in Louisville Area
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the pandemic continues to surge in the Commonwealth, Kentucky Blood Center is seeking recovered COVID-19 patients in the Louisville area to donate antibody-rich plasma for transfusion to patients currently battling the virus.
KBC was the first community blood center in the country to draw convalescent plasma (CCP) for transfusion to a patient after the FDA authorized the treatment in late March. Since that time, more than 440 donors have given 1,607 doses of plasma to help patients battling the coronavirus at Kentucky hospitals. However, as the rate of positive cases climbs, the use of CCP by hospitals has increased dramatically.
“We have seen hospital requests for CCP on the rise since late summer,” Bill Reed, Kentucky Blood Center President and CEO, said. “The last few weeks we have experienced unprecedented demand. We are scheduling new CCP donors daily, but we need to continue to recruit donors in our most populous areas.”
To assist in collection efforts, Kentucky Blood Center will be holding a special collection event at its Hillview Donor Center (5406 Antle Dr.) on Thursday, December 10. To be screened to donate plasma for this event or at another time, anyone who has tested positive and recovered from COVID-19 or has a positive COVID-19 antibody test can submit their information to KBC’s online registry. A member of our team will contact you for further screening and to schedule your donation appointment.
“We really rely on members of the community in times like these,” said Mandy Brajuha, Vice President of External Relations for KBC. “With so many folks suffering with COVID-19, we need to ensure an adequate supply of CCP during the holidays. Whether you had COVID-19 before or simply received a positive antibody test from your physician or another lab, we welcome you to join us in helping local patients by donating plasma that will stay in Kentuckiana.”
If you have further questions, please contact KBC at 800-775-2522.