What is Convalescent Plasma?
February 1, 2023
Did you know that there are different types of plasma? There are over 100 different types of plasma proteins, that can be separated into three categories: Plasma Albumin, Plasma Globulin and Fibrinogen. To read more about the different types of plasma proteins, check out our blog!
Today, we’d like to talk about convalescent plasma. Convalescent plasma therapy differs from whole blood plasma transfusions: it’s a type of therapy that takes the blood plasma from donors who have recovered from an illness, in order to help others recover.
The Difference Between Regular Plasma and Convalescent
Regular plasma is collected from donors who have to meet a list of requirements that ensures they are healthy enough to donate. Plasma donors are encouraged to eat whole foods and drink plenty of water prior to donation, and at their donation appointment they will be screened and undergo a physical exam to confirm that they are able to donate. You can read more about the health and wellness requirements of plasma donation on our website.
Convalescent plasma donation comes with a twist: by definition, it has to be collected from someone who has recovered (key distinction here is that they are not still sick!) from a viral infection or illness.
How is it Used to Treat Others?
You might be wondering how convalescent plasma can be used to treat others – let’s get into it. Convalescent plasma – plasma collected from someone who has recovered from a viral illness and/or someone who has been vaccinated against a viral illness – can help to treat others who are sick with the same infection.
How does this work? When you get sick and recover from a viral illness, or are vaccinated against an illness, you develop antibodies that help you to fight the virus and ultimately recover. These antibodies can be found in plasma, and when transferred into someone who is sick can help them to recover.
The More You Know
It’s important to learn about the different types and methods of plasma donation, so you can be an informed donor. When you donate plasma at Canadian Plasma Resources, we ensure that you’re in good shape to give healthy blood plasma by conducting a quick screening prior to your appointment. To read more about what your pre-appointment health check will look like, you can learn all about it on our website.
To earn some extra cash and provide patients in need with plasma, which has amazing, immune boosting properties, book your plasma donation appointment today!
