Inova Lorton Healthplex Medical Director Dr. Mike Homeyer says in setting up the infusion clinics they have adhered to the highest level of infection control. “It is administered intravenously similar to a blood transfusion or chemotherapy.”

A monoclonal antibody infusion helps to boost your own body's immune system. These man-made antibodies mimic the antibodies your immune system begins to make after exposure to COVID-19. "The treatment specifically targets the spike protein of the virus and essentially blocks it from binding to your cells,” says Homeyer. 

In April, Inova averaged between 40 and 50 people a day for treatment. “The good news is we have the capacity to see 80 patients a day if needed,” says Homeyer.

This potentially life-saving treatment is available to those 12 years and older, who weigh at least 88 pounds, test positive for COVID-19, and are only experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. The infusion only takes about an hour and then the patient is monitored for another hour for signs of potential allergic reaction. Homeyer says the most common side effect has been nausea. “It's been very well tolerated by most of our patients.” 

“We’ve been able to help keep people out of the hospital and reduce their trips to the ER,” says Homeyer. “With more and more people becoming vaccinated, we are hoping to see a decline in the people who need this therapy.”

You cannot receive this treatment at your doctor’s office. Patients can be referred to the Inova clinic by their doctor or if a patient tests positive at an Inova hospital they can be treated in the emergency department. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can complete the self-referral form on the Inova website and you will be scheduled for a telemedicine appointment with an Inova Primary Care Provider to see if you qualify for the monoclonal infusion treatment. You can also call 571-472-4502 to schedule a telemedicine assessment appointment.

“Our goal is to help COVID positive patients stay out of the hospital and so far, this treatment has helped tremendously,” says Homeyer.