Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply and collecting convalescent plasma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Overview

This document provides interim guidance on the management of the blood supply in response to the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It emphasizes the importance of being prepared and responding quickly and outlines key actions and measures that the blood services should take to mitigate the potential risk to the safety and sufficiency of the blood supplies during the pandemic.

It should be read in conjunction with WHO Guidance for National Blood Services on Protecting the Blood Supply During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, which provides general guidance on the development of national plans to respond to any emerging infectious threats to the sufficiency or safety of the blood supply.

Furthermore, the document provides recommendation on collecting of convalescent plasma on an experimental basis in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and  temporary deferral of donors after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

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