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The American Red Cross prepares to begin providing antibody tests to prospective donors who presume they’ve recuperated from the coronavirus, reports ABC News. This concept of “convalescent plasma” isn’t a brand-new one and has actually been used in the treatment of epidemics for a century. This “totally changes the landscape,” Dr. Pampee Young, primary medical officer at the American Red Cross, informs ABC.
As the studies continue, anecdotal reports of success continue to surface area. In Pennsylvania, NBC Philadelphia reports that a 31- year-old female who recovered from the coronavirus in March contributed blood to two severely ill clients, and both recovered. Among the two people was Marisa Leuzzi’s 63- year-old auntie. “The night before she got the plasma, doctors called us and said they’re offering her about 12 hours to live,” states Leuzzi. The FDA considers convalescent plasma to be a speculative treatment for COVID-19, and the Red Cross’ Young acknowledges the unpredictability. It resembles “constructing the aircraft as you’re flying it,” she states. The antibody tests are supposed to be offered next week. (Find Out More American Red Cross stories.)
