Blood plasma donated from people who have recovered from coronavirus could help other patients beat the illnesss.
Researchers are investigating whether transfusions of blood plasma could speed up a patient's recovery from COVID-19 and increase their chances of survival.
NHS Blood and Transplant is leading the major new research programme in Manchester on behalf of the Government.
Researchers believe that recovered patients’ plasma may contain antibodies that their immune systems have produced while fighting the virus.
Around 50 people have already donated plasma with hospitals around Manchester now starting to receive donations for transfusion.
Medics are now transfusing donated plasma to patients whose immune systems are struggling to develop their own antibodies.
Scientists say there is already some evidence of patients benefiting from the use of convalescent plasma , however, they say a 'robust' trial must be carried out first before it can rolled out universally across all of the NHS.
Meanwhile, blood donor services are increasing their capacity to collect plasma should it be proven to help Covid patients.
Manchester Plymouth Grove Blood Donor Centre is already taking convalescent plasma donations while all 23 of NHS Blood and Transplant donor centres, including Manchester Norfolk House, will soon be doing the same.
An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We thank and everyone in Manchester who is donating convalescent plasma.
"Plasma donation is safe and easy and you could save lives. You’ll also be playing a part in world-leading research and treatment. If you get the call, please donate.”
The donor centres have specialist equipment for safely taking plasma in a process called plasmapheresis where blood is circulated back to the patient after having the plasma removed.
Each person will donate around 560ml of plasma, two units, over roughly a 45-minute period.
A person's body usually replaces the plasma around 24-48 hours after donation.
The body also quickly replaces the antibodies meaning people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.
NHS Blood and Transplant are contacting potential donors who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.
An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said it's important that potential donors have recovered and their body has had time to develop a good antibody response.
The service is collecting plasma no sooner than 28 days after recovery.
If people have a confirmed positive test result, can travel to the donor centre, and they are willing to donate, they can also provide details through a form on the NHSBT website.
