May 9th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University are testing the blood plasma from coronavirus survivors to see if it can prevent new infections. A trial about to begin will test if survivors' plasma containing antibodies against the virus will prevent new infections in nursing home residents, health care workers and others, according to university officials.

WBAL reports another trial will work to see if the plasma can prevent the coronavirus from worsening in patients with mild symptoms and are isolated at home. 

se a group of patients who will receive plasma without coronavirus antibodies to compare results between groups. Patients can begin receiving plasma in part of the trial as early as next week, officials said. 

If the plasma has proven effective, officials said it could be used as a form of treatment and prevention ahead of the development of a more long-lasting vaccine. 

The trials are being paid for by the state of Maryland and Bloomberg Philanthropies, totaling $4 million