NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing for people who've recovered from coronavirus (COVID-19) to donate blood plasma to potentially help others.

Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid that makes up about half your blood volume. After a virus, your plasma contains antibodies that help fight infection. Antibody rich convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, can be transfused into people with COVID-19 who are struggling to develop their own immune response.

NHS Blood and Transplant urgently needs the support of everyone in faith and belief communities to do everything they can to build up stocks.

Anyone who has had coronavirus or the symptoms can offer to donate at a donor centre by calling 0300 123 23 23 or completing the online form at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.

Male donors from Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic (BAME) communities have amongst the highest level of antibodies in their plasma which can help fight an infection. Ideal donors are:

• male
• between 18-65 years
• from a BAME community
• treated in hospital for coronavirus