So very true. Our optimism is very guarded, until we have some long term data.
Since CVPLS is a frozen stored product, we are saving a frozen segment off of every unit collected and shipped. Once we have an appropriate antibody test, we are going to test each sample for their antibody titer. We can then study the levels based on time from infection, time from recovery and provide that data to see how/if it effected patient outcomes/responses. We are also working to bring back the same donors at their next 2 eligibility intervals ( every 28 days) so that we can further looks at titer levels as they get further out from recovery. Basically we should be able to have a 30/60/90 day check on antibody levels.
As with any transfused component, it is difficult to pin patient outcome directly to the unit transfused. Typically, at that point there is so much else going on and into the patient, it isn't just 1 action that helps, but a combination of those actions. We are encouraged by the results so far and hopefully it is another arrow docs can keep in their quiver to help improve patient outcomes overall.
