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The American Red Cross prepares to start using antibody tests to prospective donors who think they have actually recovered from the coronavirus, reports ABC News. This principle of “convalescent plasma” isn’t a new one and has actually been used in the treatment of epidemics for a century. This “totally alters the landscape,” Dr. Pampee Young, primary medical officer at the American Red Cross, informs ABC.
In Pennsylvania, NBC Philadelphia reports that a 31- year-old lady who recuperated from the coronavirus in March contributed blood to 2 severely ill patients, and both recuperated. “The night before she got the plasma, physicians called us and stated they’re providing her about 12 hours to live,” says Leuzzi. The FDA considers convalescent plasma to be an experimental treatment for COVID-19, and the Red Cross’ Young acknowledges the uncertainty.
