In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Government is supporting a national Expanded Access Program to collect and provide convalescent plasma to patients in need across the country (uscovidplasma.org). Convalescent plasma refers to blood plasma collected from people who have recovered from COVID-19. That plasma, which contains antibodies against the virus, is then used to treat others with advanced illness. Working collaboratively with industry, academic and government partners, Mayo Clinic is serving as the lead institution for the program.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Philippe Bauer, site principal investigator for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, discusses the COVID-19 convalescent plasma program.