Convalescent plasma therapy

News:US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of convalescent plasma therapy for patients with serious life-threatening COVID-19 infections.

Facts:

  • Convalescent plasma therapy aims to make use of the antibodies developed in the recovered patient against the infections.
  • Under this, whole blood or plasma from recovered patients are taken and then injected into critically ill patients so that the antibodies are transferred and boost their fight against the virus.

Additional Facts:

Plasma:

  • Plasma also called Blood Plasma is the single largest component of human blood.
  • Functions: a) maintain blood pressure and volume b) Supply critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity c) Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles and d) Helps to maintain a proper pH balance in the body which supports cell function.