What is convalescent plasma, and why is it yellow?

A donor proudly shows the bag of plasma collected from his blood. Photo courtesy of Thad Hinunangan

One of the treatments being tried on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is convalescent plasma transfusion.

It involves infusing a patient with plasma from the blood of a COVID-19 survivor to help fight the virus.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has so far collected plasma from 19 donors, and one of them even posed with the bag of yellowish liquid for a photo.

READ: Who can donate blood to COVID-19 patients?

Wondering why it's yellow and not red? You're not the only one.

“It is indeed yellow, because the red blood cells are taken out. The red blood cells are not part of the plasma. That’s the one that gives the red color,” PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario explained in an online press briefing.

“The plasma is the liquid part. Some people call it 'liquid gold' that has the antibodies,” he added.

According to the Center for Disease Control, antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-carrying organisms, such as viruses.

READ: Duterte talked about 'horse antibodies' vs COVID-19. What's that about?

Plasma therapy is currently being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections.

“At this time, it's (for) compassionate use. We give it to someone who is severely or critically ill,” Del Rosario said.

It was reportedly used in China and South Korea, where at least two patients have recovered from COVID-19 after plasma therapy.

PGH renewed its call for blood donations to help save patients while a medicine is not yet available.

If you are a COVID-19 survivor who fits the criteria for donors, you may call 0917 805 3207 (Look for Dr. Sandy Maganto) or PGH Hotline, 155-200. —MGP, GMA News