Holy Cross Hospital is participating in the U.S. government’s COVID-19 Expanded Access Program to collect and provide convalescent plasma to patients in need across the country.
Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that may help fight the virus. High-risk patients or patients in life-threatening stages battling COVID-19 may improve faster if they receive plasma from those that have recovered from the virus.
“We are currently enrolling patients in this study to help determine the clinical benefit of COVID-19 convalescent plasma,” said Paul Papagni, JD, Executive Director Research for Holy Cross Hospital. “The first step is identifying potential convalescent plasma recipients and communicating with the patient and family about the process. We then request the convalescent plasma which comes from a donor that has a verified diagnosis of COVID-19 and that has fully recovered. The plasma unit is then transfused at bedside and administered according to our internal procedures.”
The current guidelines for plasma donation were developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with the FDA.
In addition to a verified COVID-19 diagnosis and full recovery, qualified donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health, even if being treated for a chronic condition. A Red Cross representative follows up with prospective candidates to confirm eligibility.
For more information about the Expanded Across Program for Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 protocol, visit www.uscovidplasma.org.
