CoxHealth has joined a national clinical trial initiated by the Mayo Clinic to learn how convalescent plasma may help treat patients suffering from COVID-19. The health system is currently treating its first patient with the developing method of treatment.

“We hope that what we learn through these trials will help us develop treatment protocols to make a big difference in the months ahead,” says Dr. Anne Hayes, a pathologist at CoxHealth. “While we never want to be dealing with a situation such as this one, it is inspiring to be part of the solution.”

Plasma has historically been utilized in the early treatment of viral diseases before a vaccine becomes available. In the case of COVID-19, it is hoped that the antibodies in the plasma of recovered patients will offer help to those currently battling severe or life-threatening cases of the disease.

“Given how early we are in this process, projected outcomes aren’t proven, but we are hopeful that we will see successful treatment for COVID-19 as we have with other viral diseases,” says Dr. Hayes.

Patients who are interested and potentially eligible to donate convalescent plasma should reach out to their primary care provider or CoxHealthAccountableCare@coxhealth.com. The provider will confirm that the patient meets eligibility requirements and send documentation to Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO).

Eligible donors will set up an appointment with CBCO to donate plasma, and that convalescent plasma will stay in the local community for patients with severe COVID-19 infections to potentially benefit from this product. CBCO is the sole provider of blood and blood products for all southwest Missouri and northwestern Arkansas hospitals and CoxHealth is tremendously grateful for the organization’s support.

CoxHealth joins plasma clinical trial with Mayo Clinic