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India’s first plasma bank:
Established at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi.
Aim: To ease access to plasma that is being used as a trial to treat Covid-19 patients.
How it functions?
The plasma bank functions like a blood bank, and has been created specifically for those who are suffering from Covid-19, and have been advised the therapy by doctors.
- The bank will coordinate with patients who have recovered from Covid-19, and are eligible to donate plasma.
Who can donate plasma?
Those who had the disease, but have recovered at least 14 days before the donation can be considered.
- People between the ages of 18 and 60, and weighing not less than 50 kg are eligible.
- Women who have given birth are not eligible, as the antibodies they produce during pregnancy (after being exposed to the blood of the foetus) can interfere with lung function.
How is plasma donation different from blood donation?
- In plasma donation, as opposed to blood donation, only plasma is extracted and the other components of blood are returned to the body.
- Blood contains several components, including red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and plasma.
- 500 ml of plasma can be donated every two weeks, while blood can be donated once in three months.
How plasma therapy works?
- Blood is drawn from a person who has recovered from COVID-19 sickness.
- The serum is separated and screened for virus-neutralizing antibodies.
- Convalescent serum,that is the blood serum obtained from one who has recovered from an infectious disease and especially rich in antibodies for that pathogen, is then administered to a COVID-19 patient.
- The sick acquires passive immunisation.
How long the antibodies will remain in the recipient?
After the antibody serum is given, it will stay on the recipient for at least three to four days. During this period, the sick person will recover. Various studies have confirmed this.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Differences between vaccination and plasma therapy?
- What is passive immunisation?
- What are antibodies and antigens?
- First Nobel prize in medicine?
- Differences between blood donation and plasma donation.
Mains Link:
Discuss the significance of convalescent plasma therapy.
Sources: Indian Express.
