Men appear to produce higher levels of Covid-19 antibodies than women, a study has suggested.
Survivors of coronavirus are being sought to donate blood plasma as part of a major trial assessing whether it could help some of the sickest patients.
The trial is ongoing and tests whether convalescent plasma donations can be transfused into patients who are struggling to develop their own immune response.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), which is collecting the plasma for the trial, said new analysis had found that men produce more coronavirus antibodies than women, which makes them better plasma donors.
New figures show that 43 per cent of male donors had plasma with enough antibodies to be included in the trial, compared with 29 per cent of women.
If the trial is successful, being treated with convalescent plasma could become a widespread practice in hospitals.
Professor David Roberts, associate director for blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’d still like to hear from anybody who had coronavirus or the symptoms. More plasma donors are needed.
“But we’d especially want to hear from men. We test every plasma donation and men have higher antibody levels, which means we’re more likely to be able to use their plasma to save lives.
“Initially your immune system will try and fight off a virus with white blood cells. If you become more ill, your immune system needs to produce more antibodies that neutralise or kill the virus.
“Our studies, and many others around the world, show men with Covid-19 are more likely to become seriously ill than women. This makes them better plasma donors once they have recovered.”
Last week it was announced that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 through the national testing programme will be asked to join a blood plasma trial.
NHSBT said people confirmed with the virus through the “pillar 2” national testing programme will receive a text message 21 days after their result to see whether they are willing to donate plasma.
The texts will now be sent on a weekly basis to anyone who tests positive through the national testing programme. People will receive them 21 days after their result.
The plasma from former patients is rich in the antibodies that develop as a person recovers from an illness. It is transfused into people who are seriously ill with Covid-19 and struggling to develop their own antibodies.
Simon Callon, 51, of St Helens, Merseyside, survived Covid-19 but lost his father Noel to the disease.
“The donation was easy, no pain. The staff were brilliant. I hope I can help someone,” he said.
* Anyone who has had coronavirus or the symptoms and is able to travel to a donor centre can offer to donate by calling 0300 123 2323 or visiting www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.
