Coffee Memorial Blood Center is collecting convalescent plasma which will aid local COVID-19 patients in the Amarillo area. The plasma collected is coming from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 as a part of an experimental imitative to use the collected plasma as a treatment for seriously ill patients.

John Armitage, MD and President/CEO of Coffee Memorial said in a statement; “We’re excited to play our part in ensuring area patients have access to all treatment options, including convalescent plasma as the High Plains Region’s exclusive blood supplier, we can quickly collect donor information and work with our local hospital partners to ensure any donor who wants to help a neighbor has that opportunity.”

People interested in donating are asked to register at my.bio-linked.org which allows users to submit confidential information on a secure site, and list themselves as potential volunteers for medical research. If qualified plasma will be drawn providing up to three therapeutic plasma doses.

Potential donors must meet the following criteria:

Prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test

Present negative results for COVID-19, either from nasal swabs or a molecular (RNA or nucleic acid) diagnostic blood test

Symptom-free for 14 days prior to donation

If female, either no history of pregnancy or negative for HLA (tissue typing) antibodies

Dr. Armitage also stated, “In this time of need, we must all unite to fight against this pandemic threat, at Coffee Memorial Blood Center, we’re proud to continue our role as a leading provider of public health services and cutting-edge care for area patients.”

For more information about Coffee Memorial Blood Center visit www.thegiftoflife.com

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