PLASMA

PLASMA

Subject : Science & tech

Context : Demand for plasma increases amid Covid case spike but donations low

Concept :

• Plasma is the liquid part of the blood.
• Convalescent plasma, extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection, is a source of antibodies against the infection.
• The therapy involves using their plasma to help others recover.
• For Covid-19, this has been one of the treatment options.
• The donor would have to be a documented case of Covid-19 and healthy for 28 days since the last symptoms.

Convalescent plasma therapy

• Convalescent plasma therapy uses blood from people who have recovered from an illness to help others recover.
• Blood donated by people who have recovered from Covid-19 has antibodies to the virus that causes it.
• The donated blood is processed to remove blood cells, leaving behind liquid (plasma) and antibodies. These can be given to people with Covid-19 to boost their ability to fight the virus.