As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow, so does the need for blood and convalescent plasma.
The city of Hialeah and Cano Health partnered with One Blood for a blood drive on Wednesday. They called on people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their plasma.
“We all know the needs of the hospitals right now. We all have to help each other,” Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez said.
As a result of an increase in demand for plasma and the number of people being tested for the virus, a requirement to donate has changed. Initially, a person needed at least two negative test results to prove they were healthy enough to donate plasma. Now, the person just needs to be symptom-free for 14 days.
A person still needs a lab result showing a confirmed case or a positive antibody test.
Most laboratories are reporting a 7-10 day wait time for a result.
“There are benefits to you donating blood beyond saving a life. You will get screened for antibodies, basic tests like iron and cholesterol levels, and of course the satisfaction of doing something that impacts the community,” Dr. Marlo Cano said.
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Several months into the pandemic and more doctors are using plasma earlier in the treatment of a patient before they become critically ill.
If you would like to donate blood or plasma, visit OneBlood.org.
