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 recovered. Can I donate plasma?

If you’ve previously tested positive for COVID-19, are no longer showing symptoms and are interested in donating plasma that could help treat other patients fighting the disease, contact the AHN convalescent plasma donor team at 412-858-C2P3 or at C2P3@ahn.org. We will get in touch to evaluate your eligibility and to walk you through the screening process.

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

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

• Step 1: Contact us.
  Contact the AHN CP Donor Team at 412-858-C2P3 (2273) or C2P3@ahn.org. You’ll be asked to provide your full name and phone number.
• Step 2: Take a screening questionnaire.
  Within 24 hours, you will be contacted to complete a questionnaire about your medical history. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
• Step 3: Get tested for COVID-19.
  If your questionnaire answers indicate that you are eligible, you will be contacted to schedule a COVID-19 test. This 5-minute nasal swab exam can be completed without leaving your car at any of our AHN drive-through testing sites. We should have your test results within 3 days.
• Step 4: Take an antibody test.
  If your COVID-19 test is negative, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person appointment at West Penn Hospital to provide a blood sample for a COVID-19 antibody test. You will be escorted into the hospital, to testing, and back. AHN will cover the cost of on-site parking. We should have your test results within 3 days.
• Step 5: Schedule your plasma donation.
  If you test positive for COVID-19 antibodies, you will be contacted 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.