what is plasma transfusion therapy

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The idea of a treatment derived from recovering patients is not new. Doctors used serum -plasma with the clotting factors removed as far back as the 1890s. In fact, serum was the only treatment option for certain infectious diseases until antibiotics were introduced in the 1940s. In 1934, doctors used convalescent serum and successfully halted an outbreak of measles at a Pennsylvania school. Apparently right now Docs at any institution who are treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 can register their patients' information at uscovidplasma.org. The national program is supported by the American Red Cross and the larger blood-banking community, which will work with physicians to collect and distribute the donor plasma.

Plasma for transfusion is collected through a whole blood donation or a plasma donation.

1. How is plasma for transfusion collected

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Mayo Clinic will be the lead institution providing coordinated access to investigational convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19, or those at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the designation.

Cured coronavirus patients are donating plasma to save more people, as results show convalescent plasma has been effective in curing patients with severe symptoms.

2. Mayo Clinic's Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program

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3. Cured coronavirus patients donate plasma to save more