"Patients tested through Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), confirmed as COVID-19 and who are more than 18 years having worsening oxygen levels are suitable candidates for Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT), especially within one week of symptom onset. However, this is subjected to availability of matched donor plasma. However, patients with known hypersensitivity to blood products, those who have received pooled immunoglobulin/ plasma infusion in last 30 days, critically ill patients with severe Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and shock and those with clinical status precluding infusion of blood products (like encephalopathy, renal failure) should not be administered CPT. But a majority of the adverse effects associated with plasma transfusion are non-lethal; medically treatable”.

Dr. Mrinal Sircar, Director and Head, Department of Pulmonology and Critical care, Fortis Hospital, Noida