Experts are turning to a “century-old” technique in hopes of combating COVID-19. ABC News reported that a treatment known as “convalescent plasma” is now being implemented in an effort to fight the coronavirus.
This treatment requires plasma donations from patients who have tested positive for the virus and also made a full recovery. Doctors are still asking a big question in regard to this treatment: “Can the blood of a recovered coronavirus patient be donated to help others who are sick?”
Those who have recovered from the virus have developed antibodies that are “tailor-made” to combat the novel coronavirus. Antibodies begin to form and combat infection within these patients in a matter of days.
Antibodies are thought to work in the immune system by neutralizing the virus and seem to be the key component in recovery. Although there is no guarantee that the antibodies will provide immunity to the virus, scientists are hopeful that once someone produces antibodies for coronavirus, their immune system may offer some form of protection.
Twenty one to 28 days after a patient’s recovery, their blood can be drawn in search of antibodies. As of Monday, April 20, the Trump administration is supporting a national treatment program of expanded access to collect and provide convalescent plasma to patients in need across the country.
ABC News reported that over 2,000 patients so far have enrolled in the program and over 600 have been given the treatment.
“Doctors at Johns Hopkins are also exploring the possibility of using convalescent plasma to boost the immune systems of health care workers and others who may have been exposed to the coronavirus,” ABC reported.