Positive signs have been seen in the treatment of patients infected with novel coronavirus by using plasma from the recovered patients, said Zhang Dingyu, president of Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, in an exclusive interview with CCTV on Friday night.

Encouraging changes like stabilized vital signs, better mental conditions, and improved blood oxygen stabilization have been seen in four patients treated with plasma from the convalescent patients in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, said Zhang.

Any treatment carries some risks, he warned. The risks for plasma therapy can be allergy and other uncertainties as patients are infused with others' plasma. However, in the treatment of severe patients, "It's a necessary choice, with far more benefits than risks."

The "plasma therapy," used to treat the patients with special plasma products made from the plasma from the recovered patients, has equal value in both medical clinical research and clinical practice, and will be more helpful to patients.

Currently, the method is mainly used on severe patients. For those in critical or extremely critical conditions, the effect in their clinical application is uncertain, Zhang added.

Plasma donations are 'normal'

Plasma donation is a normal daily activity, said Zhang. For patients who have just recovered from the disease, plasma donation has no impact on them, if they are mild or common cases. It is not much different than a normal plasma donation.

It is recommended to donate plasma two weeks after recovery to ensure that the virus in the donors' bodies is well cleared.

The expert encouraged the cured to donate plasma and continue this good deed, saying "No matter from the medical research or clinical treatment, it is a good thing for the country and the people."