Highton man Andrew Mackinnon donates plasma for COVID-19 fight
The blood from a Highton man is being used to treat COVID-19 patients in hospital and potentially unlock the disease’s mysteries.
Geelong
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The blood from a Highton man is being used to treat COVID-19 patients in hospital and potentially unlock the disease’s mysteries.
Andrew Mackinnon, who contracted COVID-19 earlier this year, likely on a flight from Mexico to Los Angeles, has donated more than 10 litres of convalescent plasma in 12 sittings.
Post COVID-19 recovery, researchers have studied plasma in his blood because it contains high levels of proteins produced by the body to fight COVID-19.
Since August, Mr Mackinnon’s convalescent plasma — a yellow liquid — has been couriered to Melbourne to treat patients with COVID-19 at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Mr Mackinnon said he was one of about four people in Geelong, and 500 nationwide — from the more than 27,650 Australians that have contracted COVID-19 — able to donate convalescent plasma for research and treatment of COVID-19.
“Helping wasn’t something that I had to think about. This year has been so ridiculous, my life, as so many have, has gone in a complete 180,” Mr Mackinnon said.
“So if I could contribute any kind of positivity or progress to eradicating this virus; take whatever you need. If you can help, why wouldn’t you? It’s easy to do.”
Convalescent plasma from donors across the state has been developed into a medication that boosts the immune system of those fighting COVID-19.
Haematologist with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood James Daly said those who have contracted COVID-19 can donate convalescent plasma 28 days after they had recovered.
“It’s thought that if we collect the plasma containing antibodies we can transfuse it to a patient who is currently battling COVID-19 and it will help them recover faster,”
Dr Daly said.
“The donors are fully recovered from COVID-19... so there’s no risk.
“We are keen for as many donors, who have recovered from COVID-19, as possible to donate plasma if they are eligible to be blood donors.”
Mr Mackinnon’s donations are completed at the Geelong blood bank during 90-minute sessions by taking about 840ml of blood from his body which is circulated through a machine extracting plasma from his blood and then returning the blood back into his body.
“All I do is I sit on a very comfortable recliner for an hour and a half, they take what they need and I get a Byron Bay cookie at the end.
“It takes about 24 or 48 hours for the plasma to be replaced in my body and it knocks me about. I sleep so well when I give plasma.”
In the next three weeks the Geelong blood donor centre needs 780 blood and plasma donations.
Originally published as Highton man Andrew Mackinnon donates plasma for COVID-19 fight