Convalescent Plasma Donors Needed as Increase in Positive Covid-19 Cases Occurs

Anchorage, AK – Blood Bank of Alaska encourages recovered Covid-19 patients to donate their plasma to help those that are diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2.  Plasma can now be donated at centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and Juneau. A Fairbanks patient recently received the first treatment of convalescent plasma last month.  This patient showed a rapid recovery after treatment and is now discharged from the hospital.

“Convalescent plasma could be a very important recovery treatment for those suffering from complications of Covid-19. Blood Bank of Alaska is committed to supporting the Alaska community and our partner hospitals,” stated Robert Scanlon, CEO, Blood Bank of Alaska.

There is currently a greater need for whole blood donations due to the increase in elective surgeries as restrictions are reduced.  We ask that those that can donate to help their fellow Alaskan call 907-222-5630 to schedule an appointment.

This request comes from a nationwide effort from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to offer an additional form of treatment for critically ill patients of COVID-19. While clinical trials are currently being performed for widespread use of this treatment, the FDA has authorized patients with, or at risk of, severe or life-threatening COVID-19 disease to receive this treatment through an expanded access program.  Donors must be fully recovered and provide valid documentation of their recovery. There is currently no evidence indicating that SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), the virus responsible for causing COVID-19, can be transmitted via blood transfusion. In addition to providing medical documentation showing that they have fully recovered from COVID-19, prospective convalescent plasma donors must meet all screening and eligibility requirements for regular blood donation. Prospective donors may contact BBA at (907) 222-5630 for questions regarding eligibility. Prospective donors are encouraged to visit https://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/covid-19 for more information on convalescent plasma, as well as how to become a donor. Pre-approval and an appointment are required. Please call (907) 222-5630 or visit https://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/covid-19 for additional information.

SARS-CoV-2 is novel (new) and clinical trials are still being performed regarding the effectiveness of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients. However, according to the FDA, convalescent plasma is a promising treatment that has also been studied in outbreaks of other respiratory infections including the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza virus pandemic, 2003 SARS-CoV-1 epidemic, and the 2012 MERS-CoV epidemic.

Press Contacts:
Robert Scanlon, CEO
Blood Bank of Alaska
rscanlon@bbak.org
907-222-5602

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BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA 

Blood Bank of Alaska supplies blood to 21 Alaska hospitals and medical centers. Blood Bank of Alaska and its donors are dedicated to serving the Alaska community by providing high-quality blood products and related laboratory services while meeting changing healthcare needs. Learn more at www.bloodbankofalaska.org