Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 8:53 AM
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Sanquin blood bank is looking for donors who have had corona. The antibodies in the blood of ex-patients can help reduce symptoms and complaints in people who become infected with the virus. The study requires that many more people who have recently had corona report to donate blood.
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“We need a total of 16 thousand people and are now about half,” says Marloes Metaal of Sanquin. “Now we are looking for another eight to ten thousand people who want to donate blood.”
With this method, Sanquin wants to protect especially vulnerable people, such as the elderly and the seriously ill, from the virus. “Suppose one of the residents of a care home is given corona, you can use blood plasma to prevent the virus from spreading and infecting other people,” says Metaal. The antibodies can also be administered to people who have to undergo chemotherapy, for example.
No vaccine
Erasmus MC has also carried out a test with blood plasma, but it was recently discontinued because it turned out not to work. According to Sanquin, the administration of the blood plasma happened when people were already seriously ill from corona. “We administer the drug when people are not yet ill or just after they contract the virus,” says Metaal.
This method with antibodies in blood plasma is not the same as a vaccine. This ensures that your body produces the necessary antibodies itself. While this drug provides protection for two months, a vaccine works for a longer time.
People who want to donate blood can register via the Sanquin website. They are then first tested to see if antibodies are present in the blood. When there are enough donations, Sanquin hopes to help thousands of people in the event of a possible second wave.
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