The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a study to determine if antibodies in the blood plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients can be used to successfully treat current COVID-19 patients. Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is part of this study, based out of Mayo Clinic.
As part of the trial, NGHS is looking for local donors who have had documented cases of COVID-19 and recovered. The hope is that this plasma from recovered patients will help those with current severe COVID-19 disease recover as well.
“We know from experience with other viral infections that convalescent plasma can be an effective treatment,” says Dr. Joseph Conway, Medical Director of Laboratory Services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. “Being part of this study will help determine if that is true for COVID-19. This is an opportunity to potentially make a difference in the lives of multiple people. If the convalescent plasma is effective, this could help prevent or lessen the need for patients to be put on ventilators. This is important information we need to learn.”
To learn more and take the next step, visit www.redcrossblood.org, contact LifeSouth at medicaloffice@lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707. If you need more information about your specific health needs, NGHS advises people to contact their physician. For the most current information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov or who.int.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 700 beds and more than 1,100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.