Huntington Hospital Provides Antibody Testing to Pasadena Fire Department and Pasadena Police Department

Huntington Hospital recently began a serologic testing program for Pasadena Fire Department and Pasadena Police Department to identify first responders who have been exposed to or recovered from coronavirus infections and potentially have protective antibodies.

“The dedicated members of the Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena Fire Department have been on the frontline of this pandemic,” says Lori J. Morgan, MD, MBA, president and CEO, Huntington Hospital. “They are often the first point of contact with confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19 positive patients. This testing will provide important information in relation to the health and safety of these first responders. We are proud to offer this service as we continue to work together in support of our community during this challenging time.”

Upon receiving positive test results for COVID-19 antibodies from Huntington Hospital, police and fire department members will be encouraged to contact the local Red Cross on eligibility to donate their plasma for convalescent plasma (CCP) use. Protective antibody infusions are a well-established method to treat a variety of infections.  Current studies are showing its benefit for patients who are critically ill with COVID 19.  Like many factors associated with this pandemic, there is a shortage of CCP available for use.

For more information about Huntington Hospital’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.huntingtonhospital.org/covid19.