According to Carter Blood Care, plasma from recently recovered COVID-19 patients can provide hope to patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19. The plasma from recovered patients is called convalescent plasma and it is being transfused to treat COVID-19.
The convalescent plasma contains antibodies that are believed to help fight the virus. This treatment has shown promise when used similarly against other infections in the past.
Antibody concentration has been shown to diminish over time. It is vital that eligible donors with these crucially needed antibodies attempt to donate their plasma every 14 days. Carter BloodCare is collecting this plasma for hospitals and their patients in our community.
To donate convalescent plasma, an individual must:
- Have complete resolution of COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days
- Meet the regular blood donation guidelines
You can schedule an appointment for any of our donor center locations, four different ways:
- Call 817-412-5830.
- Text 800-366-2834.
- Email ConvalescentPlasma@CarterBloodCare.org.
- Self-schedule online.
If you have any questions about your eligibility or scheduling please call us at 817-412-5830 or email ConvalescentPlasma@CarterBloodCare.org.
Carter Bloodcare also offers antibody testing for blood donors.
Donate blood
The blood shortage has reached a critical level and Carter Bloodcare is asking for donors.
All blood types are needed. Hospital patients are in jeopardy of not receiving the transfusions they require and hospitals are monitoring their ability to provide a full array of services, based on the day’s blood inventory.
In the midst of such dire circumstances, the blood center is showing appreciation to those individuals who can take time to help give for life, by providing no-cost COVID-19 antibody testing on successful donations, for a limited time.
What does the antibody test result mean?
The test is an indicator of someone’s exposure to coronavirus but is not an indicator of immunity to COVID-19. When truly positive (false positives can also occur) the test indicates it is likely you had COVID-19, even if you did not show symptoms. A truly negative test, and again, false negatives can occur, indicates it is unlikely you have had the COVID-19 infection.
This is not a COVID-19 test.
If you are feeling ill, do not attempt to give blood. Blood donors are required to feel healthy and well at the time of donation. If you do not feel well, contact your health care provider.
The Garland Donor Center is at 6850 North Shiloh Rd, Suite V, Garland, Texas, 75044. 972-437-4483
Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Closed Sunday
General information
- All donors must present a valid when donating. IDs must be issued by the state (DL or ID), school or U.S. government (passport, military ID, resident alien ID, green card or work visa).
- Age: At least 16 years of age and in good general health. Sixteen-year-olds must have written parental consent. There is no upper age limit.
- Weight: Minimum of 110 pounds.
- Eating: Eat a low-fat meal two to four hours before giving.
- Drinking: Drink lots of water or juice before and after donating. Avoid alcohol and caffeine products for 12 hours before and after donating.
- Strenuous activity: Avoid for 12 hours after donating. Individuals with a hazardous or strenuous job should donate at the end of their work shift. Avoid lifting or pulling with the arm used for donation for 24 hours.