Monoclonal antibody infusion treatment
Treatments for COVID-19 continue to be developed and tested as experts learn more about the virus and the way it responds. Treatment protocols for hospitalized patients may include antiviral and steroid medications, oxygen therapy and in some instances, mechanical ventilation. Health care experts have also developed limited methods of treating the virus in its early stages in an effort to reduce hospitalization and improve patient outcomes.
One method used to treat COVID-19 early in its course is monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off a virus. In November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to the use of monocolonal antibiodies for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
The infusion of monoclonal antibodies must be ordered by a health care provider, such as the patient's primary care provider, an urgent care provider or emergency room provider.
The goal of monoclonal antibody treatment is to quickly launch the body’s immune response in an effort to mitigate the severity of the disease and reduce hospitalizations.
Who is a candidate for this treatment?
Maury Regional Health offers monocolonal antibody treatment by provider referral for qualifying patients who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, are early in the disease process and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Monoclonal antibody treatment must be ordered by a health care provider. Ask your doctor or provider if this treatment may be beneficial.
The use of monoclonal antibody treatment is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19. Learn more about vaccination here.
WHere is the TREATMENT offered?
Maury Regional Health offers monoclonal antibody intravenous infusion services at three locations:
- Maury Regional Infusion Center in Columbia: The infusion area is located at 808 S. James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia and patients should use the entrance located in the side garden area. Please arrive no more than ten minutes prior to your scheduled infusion time.
- Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro: The treatment area in Waynesboro is located on the west side of the hospital on Mangubat Drive, with parking directly in front of the infusion clinic entrance as indicated by signage.
- Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg: The treatment area in Lewisburg is located at the rear of the medical center with a dedicated entrance. Patients should follow signage around the building to the rear entrance.
Each clinic is staffed by registered nurses who are specially trained to administer infusions.
For a complete list of monoclonal antibody treatment locations in Tennessee, visit covid19.tn.gov/antibody-infusion-locations.
What to expect
If your provider recommends that you receive an infusion of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of COVID-19, the provider will make a referral for the treatment. A representative of our Central Scheduling Department will then assist in scheduling the infusion appointment.
The infusion of monoclonal antibodies takes approximately one hour. The patient must be observed for one hour after administration. Therefore, patients should plan to spend two hours or more at the facility.
If you have COVID-19 and have questions about whether monoclonal antibodies may be right for you, please ask your health care provider.