COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Collection: A Cross-Sectional Study From the Perspective of Transfusion Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Convalescent plasma from cured symptomatic COVID-19 patients was one of the many treatment options rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high levels of viral neutralizing antibodies in plasma of those who had contracted the disease, and clinical improvement in viral pneumonias like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) treated with convalescent plasma was the consideration behind this. Aim: To study recruitment including demographic characteristics of plasma donors, and recording any adverse donor reactions. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India from July 2020 to March 2021. All plasma donors who met the inclusion criteria as per the Kerala Government order permitting compassionate use of convalescent plasma were included in the study. Plasma collection was done using the Hemonetics MCS+ (MultiComponent System) Apheresis system and semiquantitative in-vitro determination of human antibodies, immunoglobulin class IgG against S1 domain of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using EUROIMMUN anti-SARS CoV -2 ELISA. Results: Among the124 convalescent plasma donors, more than 90% donors were males of the age group 18-40 years and with a prior history of blood donation (repeat donors). Ninety donors (73%) had symptomatic COVID-19, 34 (27%) were asymptomatic. COVID-19 antibody determination showed 82 (66%) positive cases, 32 (26%) negative cases and 10 (8%) cases with borderline values. COVID-19 antibody was positive in 65 (72.2%) of the donors who were symptomatic compared to 17 (50%) asymptomatic donors. Adverse reactions were noted in 40 cases (32.26%), of which the procedure was discontinued in two. Conclusion: Donors with prior donation history and in the age group 18-40 years are more likely to donate. This study also showed a significant antibody response in symptomatic COVID-19 donors versus the asymptomatic. Low rate of serious adverse reactions amounting to stopping the procedure confirms its safety.