How the anthrax serum is made

From lifeblood to lifesaver: how Anthrax Immune Globulin is made -- and how it might work.

- Military members and veterans who have received the anthrax vaccine give plasma.

- The plasma is frozen, shipped to a laboratory, screened for infections and combined with plasma from other donors.

- Using a process called fractionation, the plasma is separated into various proteins, then filtered again for viruses.

- The anthrax protein is removed and packaged as Anthrax Immune Globulin.

- Vials are shipped to the U.S. government for stockpiling, including in major hospitals throughout the country.

- In the event of an anthrax attack or infection from natural exposure, the globulin, which contains anthrax antibodies, is injected into an infected patient.

- As the patient's own antibodies develop, the boost of extra antibodies helps fight off the anthrax virus.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)