Oklahoma Blood Institute In Critical Need Of Convalescent Plasma Donors

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is asking anyone that qualifies to donate convalescent plasma as soon as they can. As positive coronavirus case numbers continue to rise in Oklahoma and surrounding states, the supply of convalescent plasma is barely keeping up with the demand.

This week, the Oklahoma Blood Institute sent out their 10,000th donation of convalescent plasma to be used on someone fighting COVID-19. OBI began collecting the plasma in April once it was known that the plasma could help with The recovery of COVID-19 patients.

OBI officials are asking anyone who has tested positive and has been symptom-free for 14 days to walk-in or make an appointment to donate because at the rate that COVID-19 case numbers are spiking, officials believe they will not be able to keep up with the need for much longer.

OBI Executive Director Jan Laub said the demand is increasing weekly.

“Two weeks ago we were using 112 units per day at local hospitals then last week it jumped to 137 units per day that is exponential growth,” Laub said.

Laub said it takes about an hour and a half to complete the whole process of paperwork and donating and she encourages people to make an appointment first to keep things running smoothly.