Coronavirus survivors asked to donate plasma for experimental treatment

Coronavirus survivors are being asked to make a potentially life-saving donation.

News 12 Staff

Apr 11, 2020, 10:28 AM

Updated 1,716 days ago

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Northwell Health is asking anyone who has recovered from the virus and is now symptom-free to donate plasma.
Health officials say plasma contains antibodies that can be used in experimental treatments for those still battling the virus.
Northwell Health says that patients still hospitalized will receive a plasma infusion. It says that the infused antibodies will help fight off the virus and minimize the severity.
The FDA says a single donor could help save the lives of up to four patients.
Diana Berrent, who was infected and now symptom free, donated on Saturday.
"My plasma, as my doctor said, was considered liquid gold because it could be transferred to anybody,” she said. “Particularly those who have the rarer [plasma] types that are harder to match.”
Dr. Craig Devoe, an associate professor at Feinstein Institutes, says they don't know for sure if this plasma will cure individuals with COVID-19. He says the science behind it needs to be looked at further, but it is safe for patients to receive.
"At the current time, it's for patients who are actively infected and have enough symptoms to be hospitalized."
Berrent says she believes the more people who donate, the better:

"We are encouraging absolutely every single survivor to get out there and donate their plasma."

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