Update on Convalescent Plasma donation

The RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP trials have completed their clinical trial analysis. The RECOVERY trial showed that Convalescent Plasma did not have any benefit on COVID19 patient outcomes. Further trials that we expected would be approved will now not proceed. As a result, our Convalescent Plasma (CP) collection will stop.

SNBTS wants to thank all donors and staff who have contributed to RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP, two of the world’s largest medical trials of Convalescent Plasma.

We would like to extend our special thanks to all donors who have supported these trials. By doing so, you have contributed to two of the world’s largest medical trials of Convalescent Plasma: RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP.

At this time, we are continuing to collect plasma by plasmapheresis from our Convalescent Plasma donors to make Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP). FFP can be used to treat patients with massive blood loss. Therefore, if you are booked in to donate Convalescent Plasma by plasmapheresis, please do keep your appointment. We still need you.

For those donors who planned to donate Convalescent Plasma by whole blood in the coming weeks, please do come along. Your donation is needed by NHS Scotland at this time, as demand for blood is high.

While the RECOVERY trial did not show that Convalescent Plasma has had benefit on Covid-19 patient outcomes, the trial was very valuable overall. The trial did answer an important scientific question. We are very grateful to everyone who participated. Over the course of the trial, more than 5,500 donors across Scotland, people who had previously recovered from Covid-19, came forward to donate Convalescent Plasma. As the plasma donated by these donors is frozen, and has a shelf life of three years, it can be used to manufacture Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP). 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you have participated in the trial, please do continue to give blood if you can. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Thank you.