Health authorities have explained how Convalescent Plasma Therapy, which is being used by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to treat Covid-19 patients in Qatar, works.

This has been illustrated through an infographic posted on the social media pages of the MoPH, HMC and PHCC.

The treatment is being used on Covid-19 patients in Qatar. This is how it works:

What is Convalescent Plasma Therapy?

This treatment involves taking plasma taken from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing it into patients currently battling the virus.

How does it work?

As people fight the COVID-19 virus, their body produces antibodies to attack it. These antibodies are secreted by immune cells known as B lymphocytes.

These are found in plasma -the liquid part of blood – which helps the blood clot and increases immunity.
Once a person recovered the antibodies stay in their body to fight the virus if it returns.

How much plasma is needed for each patient?

Plasma from one recovered patient can be used to treat two infected patients. One transfusion is enough to see results.

Who can donate plasma?

Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 can donate.

Is it being used in Qatar?

Yes, the treatment is being used on COVID-19 patients in Qatar.

A Plasma Donation Center has been set up at the Communicable Disease Center.

Source : The Peninsula

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