Challenges in the collection of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients at a plasma therapy trial site

Abstract

Background and Objectives: With no proven treatment guidelines for COVID-19, human convalescent plasma is an option and has been under trial worldwide. In India, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), started a Mulicentric Trial for the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID patients. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the challenges encountered in the collection of convalescent plasma from COVID recovered patients at a trial site. Methods: The current prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital based blood centre catering to COVID patients and a trial site for Plasma therapy by ICMR. For analysing the challenges in the collection of convalescent plasma, the discharged patients were contacted telephonically. After applying eligibility criteria, the reasons of deferral were assessed. Data was collected and analysed. Results: The current prospective study was carried out during the period of 1st April 2020 to 15th May 2020. During this period, a total of 496 patients got discharged. After applying deferral criteria, 113 were eligible, out of which only 13 (11.5%) consented to come to donate plasma. Conclusion: In a global ongoing pandemic, the “Fear Factor” is a constraint and a major challenge to motivate and convince a COVID recovered patient for plasma donation. The challenge for the medical professionals is to motivate, convince and educate the potential donors and society about the likely benefits of COVID Convalescent Plasma.