A second blood drive to collect convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients has been planned for Friday, January 8th in San Pedro Town. The blood drive will take place at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II from 9AM to 3PM. Blood donors are asked to make appointments by calling the numbers 615-4300 or 614-9115 before heading to the polyclinic.
This blood is from persons who were infected with the virus and have recovered, and is believed to contain antibodies that can help those sick with the infection. At the moment, convalescent plasma is being used as part of the strategy to battle the disease. The first blood drive of this kind was done on December 17, 2020, collecting 19 pints.
Qualifications for donating blood
Persons are to be between the ages of 18-65, and should not take any medication the morning/day of the donation. No alcohol should be consumed 24 hours prior to donating. Donors must also be sure that they have not gotten tattoos within a year, and have no allergies to medication or pre-existing illnesses. Pregnant women and females that are menstruating cannot donate. Any potential donor is reminded that they must get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning before heading to donate.
PCR test result needed to donate
According to Dr. Javier Canul, persons who have been declared clinically recovered, but do not have a PCR test can visit the Mar de Tumbo Flu clinic to get this test. To be able to donate on Friday, donors should visit the flu clinic by today Monday, January 4th so the results are back on the island before the day of the blood drive.
The flu clinic continues to operate Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4PM, and for any emergencies call the phone numbers 672-0911.
