More Information for Interested Donors
I want to participate, what should I do?
If you want to donate blood for research purposes, this is what you have to do:
- Please create a secure account on this portal.
- Consent to give us permission to perform tests on your blood and obtain other information about your past COVID-19 illness.
- Complete a short online questionnaire about your past COVID-19 illness. A coordinator will contact you to schedule a visit at your home or a participating site to donate a blood sample.
- Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies will be analyzed in your blood sample.
Note that your participation in this study is voluntary. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.
What is convalescent plasma?
Plasma is the liquid part of blood and contains antibodies that can help fight viral infections. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 infection develop antibodies against the virus SARS-CoV-2. While blood banks are no longer collecting dedicated convalescent plasma units, they test all plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Those that test positive for high levels of antibodies and meet other requirements may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients.
Therefore, we encourage our convalescent participants to donate plasma at their local blood bank.
Why should I participate in your study?
COVID-19 can affect your family, friends, and neighbors in your community. What can you do to help?
You can donate a small sample of blood to help scientists better understand the disease, as the virus constantly evolves and particularly affects medically underserved areas and populations. The information we learn will help us understand more about immunity to COVID-19.
COVID-19 is still with us and we need to know more about antibody protection. Join this study to help make a difference
How do I know whether I am eligible?
Adults over 18 years old who were diagnosed with COVID-19 with a lab test (called “PCR”) and have fully recovered from the infection for at least two weeks are encouraged to participate in this study. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or a treatment for their COVID-19 infection are eligible.
If you wish to donate blood for research purposes, you must register on the portal, sign a consent form and fill out a short questionnaire. A doctor will review your questionnaire and will determine if you can donate a small blood sample (approximately 3.5 tablespoons), up to three times. After analysis of your blood, we will let you know if you have anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
What if I live far from your participating sites?
If you live far from our participating sites, we will mail you a blood collection kit with instructions. We will schedule a technician who will collect your blood specimen at your home at your convenience.
Will I be paid for my participation?
You will be compensated $50 in the form of a gift card for each blood draw.
What if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions, you may contact info@covidplasmastudy.com