COLORADO — As medical professionals continue to look for answers in the fight against COVID-19, a group of medical professionals within the clinical and scientific aspects of health research are working together to make the process run efficiently.
This is all in an effort to collect and distribute plasma from those who have recovered from the virus, and use the antibodies to treat those battling COVID-19.
The Colorado COVID19 Convalescent Plasma Consortium is made up of representatives from state universities, hospitals, and other health groups. It's a part of national movement spearheaded by the Mayo Clinic.
"It's really all of the experts kind of surrounding this issue," said Rebecca Boxer, Medical Director of Clinical Trials with the Institute of Health Research at Kaiser Permanente Colorado.
Without a vaccine, it's another way they can try and take care of those in the hospital. So far in Colorado, 411 patients have died from the virus.
"This is one more potential tool in the tool box and we have to learn how it works, if it works," said Boxer.
All of the experts combined, are finding a process to figure out how best to get those who've recovered from the Coronavirus and apply it accordingly.
It's a process, made up of many unknowns. In the last week, the process has already changed in at least one way. Previously, health organizations were asking for recovered patients to wait 14 days before coming forward- now they're asking them to wait even longer at 28 days.
Boxer says she's seen many people willing to donate their plasma towards the process.
"Just their desire to help has been incredibly uplifting," said Boxer, "I just cannot believe the generosity."
While the number of patients being given convalescent plasma as a possible treatment is relatively low, Boxer says they're looking to see who is responding to it as a treament option and who isn't.
