MORE than 300 people who have previously tested positive for Covid-19, and have been symptom-free for 28 days, are needed every week to donate plasma during lockdown.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has launched an appeal for volunteers to give convalescent plasma to help save the lives of sick coronavirus patients.

Apart from previously testing positive for Covid-19, donors must have been symptom-free for 28 days and feeling fit and well having returned to normal activities.

They should be aged between 17 and 65, or up to 67 if they regularly donate blood, and meet the usual eligibility criteria for donating blood.

Dr Nicole Priddee, SNBTS consultant haematologist, said: “If you’re an adult who has recovered from Covid-19, it’s usually because your immune system developed anti-Covid-19 antibodies. If you then donate your plasma, Scottish hospitals can use it in the fight against Covid-19.

“Right now, doctors across the UK are using convalescent plasma to treat patients in clinical trials, and the need is rapidly rising.”

Priddee added: “However, antibody levels reduce rapidly after four months, so it’s critical to get in touch sooner rather than later.”