BEAUMONT, Texas — During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the United States are full of people who have been impacted by the virus.
At Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, a blood transfusion was recently performed that could potentially save more lives.
On Saturday, two coronavirus patients at Baptist Hospital received plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19.
Inside the blood are antibodies, which can be used to help heal those with the virus.
While the procedure isn't guaranteed to work, doctors felt it was in the best interest of the patients who are fighting for their lives.
Procedures like these are rare, but have suddenly become more common during the pandemic. Todd Senters is the vice president of operations for Baptist.
"We know that there are certain treatment that that these patients need that are just incredibly difficult to be able to provide for them," Senters said. "And it was incredibly meaningful for us to be able to do this for these families and to be able to bring this in."
In Southeast Texas, at least 290 people have tested positive for COVID-19, and nine people have died.