Columbia Screens COVID-19 Survivors for Antibodies

COVID-19 survivor Diana Berrent is the first person in New York state to be screened for antibodies that could be used to treat other patients with the disease. Image courtesy of Diana Berrent.

On March 30, a pathology laboratory at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) started screening New York state’s first possible antibody donor—Diana Berrent, who had only just recovered from COVID-19.

The lab will determine whether Berrent has enough antibodies—or proteins made by the immune system that could neutralize the virus—to help develop a gravely needed COVID-19 treatment or vaccine.

“Thanks to the generosity of this patient, who just recently recovered from COVID-19, we will be among the first to embark on this important mission,” said Kevin Roth, chair of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and pathologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/CUIMC.

Recovered patients who are interested can volunteer at CUIMC’s Clinical Trials website. Learn more.

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