Tower Health announced today that it is participating in important research involving the use of plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19. The goal is to investigate the use of antibodies, presumed to be present in the plasma, as a treatment for those with the disease. This use of “convalescent plasma” is one of the major areas of research into COVID-19. Tower Health hospitals have registered to take part in this research under the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Program.
The vast majority of those made ill by the virus return to full health within a week or two. Because we are now six weeks into the virus’s arrival in our community, we have a growing number of individuals in our area, and within Tower Health, who have recovered from the disease and may have antibodies to the virus.
If you or a family member have recovered from a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate plasma to treat hospitalized patients and to advance our understanding of this disease. Interested persons can register with either the Miller-Keystone Blood Center or the American Red Cross. If you qualify, the process of donating plasma is as simple as a regular blood donation.
“Tower Health is pleased to support this important research which may bring relief to ill patients while also advancing our knowledge of COVID-19,” said Debra Powell, MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Disease at Reading Hospital – Tower Health. “Donated plasma will stay in our area and distributed to patients in need.”
You Might Also Like
Health & Wellness
781 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 98,446
Health & Wellness