INDIANAPOLIS — A local COVID-19 survivor donated blood Thursday, hoping her antibody-filled plasma can help people suffering from the coronavirus.
Dr. Sarah Dilley is the first patient to be able to make a donation like this. She works as a gynecologic oncologist and knows how important blood donations are.
Dilley tested positive for COVID-19 several weeks ago. She said her symptoms were mild, but since she works in health care, she was able to get a test from Eli Lilly.
She has since fully recovered, and she’s hoping her plasma can go to someone in the hospital currently battling COVID-19.
“My body has created antibodies to the COVID virus,” she said. “And since we don’t have a medication against this virus and since we don’t have a vaccine yet, the antibodies from my plasma should be able to help another patient fight off the virus."
Dilley made the donation at Versiti Blood Center on Meridian Street in Indianapolis.
Leaders thee say it takes time to process the donation, but it should be in doctors’ hands by Saturday. Donations like this have helped patients suffering from things like Ebola and the flu.
The Versiti Blood Center is also looking for more donors. Officials there are asking anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and since been symptom-free for at least two weeks to contact them.
Contact the Versiti Blood Center at 317-916-5150.
