Mutual support is particularly important in the difficult pandemic period. The members of academic community who have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection can help in the treatment of other individuals by donating their plasma, which contains antibodies. The University of Silesia campaign “Share your health!” supports the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy (RCKiK) at ul. Raciborska in Katowice.
Who is qualified for plasma donation?
- Plasma can be donated by a person who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, was considered to be recovered and feels healthy; aged 18-65; had confirmed infection (positive result of PRC, anti-gene or antibody test); 28 days from the end of infection symptoms or 18 days from the end of isolation have passed, and there are no counterindications, which are described on the following website: rckik-katowice.pl/przeciwwskazania.
- Plasma can also be donated by a person who went through SARS-CoV-2 without symptoms and has the positive result of PRC, antigene or antibody test.
Attention! The individuals who would like to donate blood, but their suspected symptom-free SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been confirmed with earlier tests, can use free-of-charge antibody level test organised by the University of Silesia. In the case of discovering antibodies, plasma can be donated. If the test does not confirm the infection history, the collected blood can be provided for the needs of patients suffering from other diseases than COVID.
This form of support is offered to those who:
- had contact with an infected person,
- suspect that they have gone through SARS-CoV-2 infection without symptoms,
- have not yet had tests to confirm it,
- are determined to help others by plasma or blood donation and contact the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy (RCKiK) to arrange a visit.
The individuals who turn out to be convalescents will be able to donate plasma and help patients with serious, life-threatening infection symptoms. If the test does not confirm the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, you can donate blood in line with the commonly adopted rules.
Due to the limited number of stations for plasma donation, it is necessary to arrange a visit at RCKiK in advance. Plasma collection from 1 person lasts approximately one hour. You can donate your plasma five times, which is why this form of support is particularly effective.
The coordinator of “Share Your Health!” campaign at the University is Sylwia Ledwoch (Student Service Centre), whom you should contact in advance (e-mail: sylwia.ledwoch@us.edu.pl, phone no. 511863123) in order to discuss the details.
Share your health!
Fot. mat. pixabay.com