As the state of Louisiana experiences its fourth surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, St. Charles Parish Hospital has begun to offer monoclonal antibody infusions for patients affected by COVID-19.
Registered Nurse Matthew Frost, who has earned his Master of Science in Nursing: Health Care Systems and serves as the Oncology Director for Ochsner Health- River Region, said the goal of the infusions is to help a COVID-19 patient get a jump on the virus and reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms of the virus.
“Certain people diagnosed with COVID-19 are more likely to develop severe symptoms and be hospitalized, and receiving an antibody infusion may help,” Frost said. “Monoclonal antibodies are artificial antibodies created to fight the COVID-19 virus and if an eligible patient receives them early enough, these antibodies may help supplement their own immune system—especially if they have not started producing antibodies on their own yet.”
The infusions are offered by appointment only at 879 Milling Road in Luling, and all patients receiving the infusions must have a referral from a primary care or urgent care physician. The monoclonal antibody infusions take two hours from start to finish. Frost said as of August 5, the hospital’s staff was able to see patients the same day they received their referral.
“August 2 was the first day we began offering the infusion and we have seen an increase in daily visits each day,” he said. “We have the capacity to do 32 infusions per day. With the uptick in COVID positivity rates in our community we expect our schedules will tighten, but we will make every effort to help as many patients as we can. So far the patients have been very appreciative. Our staff working the unit have shared that patients are thanking them multiple times day for their service and told them they were so hopeful to feel better soon.”
As the hospital system continues to offer innovative COVID treatments, Ochsner officials said the demand for COVID testing is in high demand once again. Testing is available Monday-Friday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Ochsner Health Center- Luling, located at 1057 Paul Maillard Rd. in Luling. The PCR test is for symptomatic patients 12 and older.
Ochsner is also still facilitating COVID-19 vaccinations at various River Region sites. Currently vaccines are offered every Tuesday from 3 – 4:30 p.m. at the Ochsner Health Center- Luling and every Thursday from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Ochsner Health Center- LaPlace Medical, located at 735 West 5th St. in LaPlace.
For more information about monoclonal antibody infusions or to schedule an appointment, call 985-240-7119.
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