As individuals are exposed to pathogens, the body's immune system works to create antibodies toward those pathogens. These antibodies can be found in the plasma portion of the blood. This plasma is referred to as Convalescent plasma and contains these infection fighting antibodies. Through a blood donation, this convalescent plasma is collected from a recovered person and transfused to a sick patient who is still fighting the same virus. This protocol will make convalescent COVID-19 plasma available to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria described.
The purpose of this program is to see if giving convalescent plasma to individuals who test positive for COVID-19 may reduce their symptoms and help minimize complications from the illness.