News and statements
Men make more coronavirus antibodies than women, making them better plasma donors
New analysis found men produce higher levels of COVID-19 plasma antibodies than women.
This Sickle Cell Awareness Day, NHSBT is urging more black people to register as blood donors
This World Sickle Cell Awareness Day (Friday 19th June), NHS Blood and Transplant is urging more black people to register as blood donors to help save and improve the lives of sickle cell patients.
Asian donors more likely to have COVID-19 convalescent plasma which could save lives
People from Asian communities who have recovered from COVID-19 are more likely to have the antibody-rich convalescent plasma which can save lives, according to early analysis.
New text messages led to more than 10,000 people registering as COVID-19 plasma donors
New text messages from the national testing programme led to 10,370 people registering as potential COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors over Monday and Tuesday.
New donor centres opened to support call for COVID-19 plasma donors in London
NHS Blood and Transplant is opening three new ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor centres in London, as it massively expands collection.
Blood samples used for coronavirus surveillance
Routine samples from blood donations are being made available to monitor the spread of coronavirus.
Superdrug nurses support major convalescent plasma programme
Nurses support programme in London, Manchester and Birmingham, as appeal for donors continue
First patient, a child, receives convalescent plasma through RECOVERY, the dedicated COVID-19 treatment trial
The first person to be randomly selected to receive convalescent plasma through RECOVERY has now received a transfusion.
Collaborative report into evidence on gay and bisexual men and blood donation still due in 2020
The FAIR steering group exploring whether some gay and bisexual men might be able to donate blood without a deferral is still hoping to report its’ findings before the end of 2020.
Convalescent plasma donor with highest coronavirus antibodies backs call for more donors from three key groups
Initial tests have indicated three key groups of people who have the plasma most likely to potentially save lives.