COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donor Information
(732) 675-9384 or (732) 235-8100, ext. 221
Appointments are required; call today!
Donor information in Spanish (PDF)
People who have recovered from COVID-19 have a unique opportunity to help others in their fight against the novel coronavirus. Their blood has special antibodies in the plasma that can attack the virus.
This plasma, also called convalescent plasma, is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, and people who have been determined by a health care provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is collecting convalescent plasma donations from those who have fully recovered to help people who are currently sick with the virus.
Please make an appointment to donate today!
Qualifications
1. At least 28 days after resolution of COVID-19 symptoms:
- No sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
- No fatigue or malaise
- No fever no fever (for 72 hours, temperature NOT greater than 99.5)
2. Proof of positive COVID-19 laboratory testing for the presence of disease or antibodies
3. Must meet all medical criteria for volunteer blood donor eligibility and suitability:
- Be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent)
- Be in good health
- Weigh at least 110 pounds (120 pounds if 16 years old)
- Present a valid photo identification with signature
Our Blood Donor team will ensure that you are feeling healthy and well on the day of donation, and that you are not taking any antibiotics or other medication for infection. We will:
- Ask about your health and travel history
- Ask what medications you are taking or have taken
- Take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
- Take a blood sample to ensure your hemoglobin is acceptable
Some reasons why donations may be deferred for another time are:
- Blood pressure/pulse that is too high or too low
- Low iron levels in the blood
- Active cold symptoms
- Recent surgery
- Active allergies and or asthma
- Certain cancers
- Received a blood transfusion within the last year
- Resided in Europe between 1980 to 1996
- Certain medications, vaccines, growth hormones, transplants, or grafts
- Women who have ever been pregnant will need to have a negative result on a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) test
Donor Collection Location
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Blood Services
Clinical Academic Building
125 Paterson Street, Suite 4200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Appointments
Appointments are required
(Monday – Friday only)
To make an appointment, call: (732) 675-9384 or (732) 235-8100, ext. 221 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours for your donation.
- Please make sure you eat well and drink plenty of fluids before your donation appointment.
Parking will be validated for the Paterson Street Deck, located across from the Clinical Academic Building.
The Donation Process
Plasma donations are collected using an automated donation process called apheresis. A special machine -- using a disposable kit -- collects blood from a donor. The machine separates the blood, extracts the plasma, and returns red blood cells and platelets to the donor. Donors will give between 200 and 600 ml of plasma depending on their total blood volume.
The entire process -- from registration through refreshments -- will take approximately 1. 5 hours.