A statement on monoclonal antibody infusion issued from ACEP President Dr. Mark Rosenberg on February 1, 2021.
Monoclonal antibody infusion (Bamlanivimab, or casirivimab/imdevimab) has been authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The treatment may improve the clinical course for some patients, reducing their return visits to the emergency department, as well as hospitalizations.
Per the EUA, these infusions are authorized for patients 12 years and older (at least 40kg) who have the documented risk factors and have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but do not require hospitalization for COVID-19.
Ideally, monoclonal antibodies would be given in designated infusion centers however, such centers do not exist in all hospitals. Emergency departments and the health care professionals who work there have the required skills to provide these infusions safely. Hospitals that provide infusions in the emergency department should first ensure that there is adequate space and staffing to continue to provide care to emergency patients, as they are the primary concern of the staff. If there is not adequate space, efforts should be made to find additional space and staffing to ensure emergency care can continue to be provided to the community.
