Lifeblood has announced it will start collecting convalescent plasma for the first time.

We have been in discussions with governments about how we could quickly assist in any clinical trials using convalescent plasma in Australia and will begin collecting plasma from recovered donors from Monday 11 May.

The convalescent plasma will be used as an experimental treatment option for approved clinical trials in the future, either as fresh frozen plasma or COVID-19 Immunoglobulin, a medication being produced in Australia by CSL Behring.

Recovered patients must have a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 and meet Lifeblood’s current eligibility criteria, including being recovered from COVID-19 symptoms for at least 28 days.

Given the current lack of evidence for clinical benefit and to ensure equitable access, Lifeblood will not be issuing convalescent plasma outside of approved clinical trials.

If the evidence or lack thereof of a treatment benefit emerges internationally, we will adjust our protocols accordingly. Our media release can be found here.

If you are able to assist in sharing information about donating convalescent plasma with patients who have recovered from COVID-19, you can access our external provider information and donor information sheets below.

Further information can be found on the Lifeblood website.