Coronavirus: Norwood Hospital Asking For Plasma Donors

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood Hospital is asking for plasma donations from people who recovered from COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus. The treatment, called convalescent plasma treatment, could save lives in the battle against the virus.

Matthew Lowry, Chief Medical Officer at Norwood Hospital explained why the treatment is so important in the fight against the new coronavirus.

“Convalescent plasma therapy is not a new concept and has been tried for SARS - CoV-1, MERS and H1N1 Influenza outbreaks previously. COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 has no readily available antiviral treatment options to date. As we fight this pandemic, convalescent plasma is again being evaluated as a possible option,” said Dr. Lowry.

The plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies to the virus. Doctors and researchers hope that those antibodies could be a step in the right direction for people still battling the virus.

“Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus will hopefully provide a boost to that patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover," said Dr. Lowry.

To be an eligible donor, there are three requirements:

• Are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 lbs. Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger.
• Are in good health. You generally feel well, even if you're being treated for a chronic condition.
• Have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now symptom free and fully recovered from COVID-19.

You can learn more about the screening process online.