People who have recovered from the coronavirus (COVID-19) can donate their plasma to help those suffering from the respiratory virus.
Sentara Healthcare announced Wednesday they have partnered with the American Red Cross’ COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Program, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved initiative to collect convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for coronavirus patients.
Plasma is a yellow liquid found in the blood which helps support the immune system and contains essential nutrients such as proteins, clotting factors and antibodies. The convalescent plasma is plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients– when the person donates plasma, the blood cells are separated from the plasma.
In order to donate, the person must be at least 17 years old, in good health and had a previous positive diagnosis of the coronavirus with a full recovery. Fill out a donor request form here.
Once approved, the person can donate their convalescent plasma at American Red Cross locations.
Riverside Health System announced last week during a Facebook Live event they were experimenting with Remdesivir and working with the Mayo Clinic to use convalescent plasma. It’s unclear if the health system has partnered with the American Red Cross at this time.
Sentara visitors update
Sentara Healthcare have changed their visitor policies effective Thursday at noon.
All non-COVID-19 patients are allowed one visitor and two visitors are allowed for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and end-of-life patients.
“At Sentara, the safety of our healthcare professionals and patients is our highest priority,” according to Sentara’s news release. “However, we recognize that there are times when having a visitor or family member present is vital.”
While the health care systems has eased some visiting restrictions, all visitors are required to wear a mask, undergo a screening and temperature testing. Masks are also available to visitors who do not have one.
For more information about Sentara Healthcare’s updates, visit their website.
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