If I have had COVID-19, can I donate my plasma to help others?

Yes, if you meet certain criteria. Stanford Medicine is working with the Stanford Blood Center is to create a convalescent plasma program. This would allow individuals who have recovered from COVID to donate plasma to be transfused into critically ill patients to potentially save their lives. This treatment does seem promising in the many early studies that have been done, but there is still no guarantee that the transfusions will work consistently. Prospective donors must meet the following criteria (in addition to the usual blood donor eligibility requirements):

• Have had a positive test for COVID-19 or have lab evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (once antibody testing is available).
• Have been recovered and symptom-free for at least 14 days.
  • If only symptom-free for 14-28 days, donors will be asked to retake a COVID-19 test at no cost to the donor. This repeat test must be negative to be eligible to donate.
  • If symptom free for 28 days or more, a negative COVID-19 test is NOT required.

You can read more about the program here. (June 10, 2020)