18 May 2020 – First application of convalescent plasma to COVID-19 positive patient

Type of Intervention: New Tool / Service / Body
Sectors Involved: Health, Research and Development
Intervention Categories: Drug-based measures; Research and development
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: The Costa Rican social security system (CCSS)

Overview: The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) initiated application of convalescent plasma for patients with COVID-19. This procedure was carried out at the Specialized Patient Care Center with COVID-19 (CEACO) on a 37-year-old patient. Convalescent plasma is obtained from a person already recovered from COVID-19 who is then used as treatment by infusion in a new patient who is on the active virus. In this case, convalescent plasma will be used as treatment for those COVID-19 patients who have a severe or critical condition, with less than 14 days of hospitalization and who meet the criteria for receiving treatment. This is a joint collaboration between Costa Rican health authorities and the Clodomiro Picado Institute research center from the University of Costa Rica.
Full details here: https://www.ccss.sa.cr/noticias/salud_noticia?ccss-inicio-aplicacion-de-plasma-convaleciente-para-pacientes-con-covid-19&fbclid=IwAR2PD2FLbF0o-0RTc9W1ynFisVPjsgcfoeT_uEoWwKMPg7wOgPwD0H2qe10

Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group, Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – academic
Evidence/Justification: This is a joint collaboration between Costa Rican health authorities and the Clodomiro Picado Institute research center from the University of Costa Rica.