COVID-19 survivors could donate plasma to treat patients in critical condition
YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY )-As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve throughout the world, healthcare organizations will participate in research studies amid finding medications to treat COVID-19 positive patients.
The Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) joins forces with the Mayo Clinic's study called, "Expanded Access Program for Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Patients with Covid-19."
Dr. Chandra explains in order to be a plasma donor you have to be a Covid-19 survivor and symptom-free for 14-days. “Has the antibodies that are collected from people’s blood and then transferred to those who are fighting," said Dr. Chandra.
Dr. Chandra mentions that the CDC rules are strict, even those donating have to meet a certain criteria before donating.
Doctors with YRMC say the treatment is already underway in Yuma. Six Covid-19 patients were given this treatment over the weekend.
“We had about six patients get this plasma treatment since the weekend," said Dr. Krishna Nimmagadda, The Medical Director of Hospitalists and Utilization Management.
Both doctors tell News 11 it is too early to tell if the treatment works, but feel confident this is a step in the right direction.
Doctors said the hospital is prepared to handle a surge if it were to happen, however, experts are learning about the virus as days pass which could change at any moment.
