Beat Coronavirus once already?

Your plasma could help us beat it again.

Coronavirus survivors may carry disease-resistant antibodies in their plasma that could be used to treat others currently battling the disease.

The COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Pittsburgh Project (C2P3) — a collaboration between AHN and other regional health providers — is seeking Coronavirus survivors to get screened and see if they’re eligible to donate plasma.

If you’ve previously tested positive for Coronavirus and are no longer showing symptoms contact the AHN Convalescent Plasma Donor Team at 412-858-C2P3 or C2P3@ahn.org to learn more about screening and donation.

I’ve had Coronavirus and have recovered. How can I donate plasma to potentially help others?

Thank you for your interest in donating plasma for use in treating COVID-19 patients! Before you can donate, you will be required to undergo screening for eligibility. There are three steps in this screening process, and our AHN Convalescent Plasma Donor Team will guide you every step of the way.

Our goal is to make this screening process as easy, fast and safe as possible for you – in fact, it’s as simple as A, B, C, Go!

I’m interested. What does the screening process involve?

It’s a multi-step process. Here’s what you can expect:

• Step A: Contact us.
  Contact the AHN CP Donor Team at 412-858-C2P3 (2273) or C2P3@ahn.org and provide your full name and phone number.
• Step B: Take a screening questionnaire (30 minutes).
  You will be contacted to complete a questionnaire about your medical history.
• Step C: Take an antibody test (1 hour).
  If the answers in your questionnaire indicate that you are eligible, you will be asked to go to West Penn Hospital to provide a blood sample for a COVID-19 antibody test. We should have your test results within 1-2 weeks.
• Go to Vitalant to donate your plasma!
  If your antibody test is positive, you will be provided with information to schedule an in-person plasma donation at the local Vitalant blood bank.

I’m a Highmark member but not an AHN patient. Can I still donate plasma?

Yes. You do not need to be an AHN patient in order to donate to the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Pittsburgh Project.

How is plasma collected?

The process is similar to giving blood. Your whole blood is drawn and the plasma is separated. Then, your red blood cells are returned to your body along with a saline solution that helps you generate new plasma to replace the plasma that has been removed. 

Will I be charged anything if I choose to participate?

No, AHN will cover cost implications of plasma donation testing and services for any eligible donor, regardless of insurer or where you typically go for care.

After I donate plasma once, can I donate plasma again?

Yes, you can donate every 7 days.

Why should I choose to donate through AHN when I could donate directly to the blood bank?

By donating through AHN, it’s guaranteed that your plasma will stay local and go to someone in need in your community.