What to know about emergency use authorization of convalescent plasma; how to help

Reporter: Dannielle Garcia
Published: Updated:
Credit: OneBlood.

The emergency use of unproven convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19 is now approved by the FDA, but what does this emergency use authorization mean?

We start with one question that has two different answers.

Is convalescent plasma a live safer?

President Donald Trump says yes; “I am pleased to make a truly historic announcement in our battle against the China virus that will save countless lives.”

That’s what Mr. Trump said on Sunday, standing next to the FDA commissioner, Stephen Hahn, stating he authorized emergency use of convalescent plasma.

Hahn said, “If the data continues to pan out; of 100 people who are sick with COVID-19, 35 would have been saved because of the administration of plasma.”

Three days earlier, on Thursday, the FDA announced it would not grant emergency authorization, saying, there is little proof the treatment works against COVID-19.

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