AHN asking for plasma donations from people recovered from COVID-19

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny Health Network is asking for plasma donations if you’ve recovered from COVID-19.

The hospital group is partnering with other provides for the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Pittsburgh Project.

“Time will tell us if this is something that actually has improved mortality, but from our previous studies that we’ve seen in this, it does help,” Dr. Tariq Cheema, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at AHN, said.

The C2P3 Project is looking for coronavirus survivors to get screened to see if they’re eligible to donate plasma. Those who are eligible will have to provide a blood sample to check for antibodies.

“We take these antibodies in the plasma, and then we infuse it in patients who are actively being treated for COVID-19. And that is to help fight the COVID-19 infection. It’s something that’s been done for 100 years. It’s not a new technology,” Cheema said.

At AHN, about 540 patients have been infused with good results.

“We have seen no side effects. People tolerate this very well,” Cheema said.

CLICK HERE for more details if you’d like to donate.

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Cox Media Group