Munson Healthcare is stepping up its fight against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) by joining an emergency Investigational New Drug (eIND) trial to collect and administer convalescent plasma to severely affected COVID-19 patients.
Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood collected from patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The convalescent plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients contain viral antibodies that have treatment potential for severe cases of the disease.
“We’re excited to bring this new COVID-19 treatment option to patients here in northern Michigan,” said William Kanner, M.D., Munson Healthcare pathology section chief and Munson Medical Center blood bank director. “Local donations will help us obtain and continue receiving convalescent plasma to directly treat patients in our hospitals.”
Munson Healthcare, the Grand Traverse Health Department, and local blood supplier Versiti are working together to identify eligible plasma donors. Recovered COVID-19 patients throughout northern Michigan interested in participating must meet the following criteria:
- Have had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by a physician and laboratory testing
- Must be symptom free for 28 days before being eligible to donate, or
- If symptom free for 14-27 days, a negative test must be verified
To make a plasma donation, or to learn more about donor eligibility, please contact Versiti at 866-702-HOPE (866-702-4673), email MICplasma@versiti.org, or visit online at versiti.org/covid19plasma.