Self‐sufficiency in plasma supply – achievable and desirable?

Abstract

Debate concerning the principle of self-sufficiency in plasma based on voluntary non-remunerated donation has been going on for over 40 years. During this period the dependency on the commercial plasma industry has increased considerably. The debate has two main themes. The first focusses on the ethical principles underpinning World Health Assembly resolutions on voluntary non-remunerated donation and questions relating to donor compensation and the use of incentives in the voluntary sector. The second theme concerns barriers to achieving the goal of self-sufficiency. The needs of patients and the most effective way to ensure equitable access to sufficient plasma derived medicinal products and issues around security of supply lie at the centre of the debate. Ultimately health authorities will need to carefully balance ethical principles and practical reality in assuring that this is achieved.

An Australian trial of the effectiveness of a discount reward to increase plasma donor retention and frequency of donation

“…Countries that provide payment tend to process more plasma donations and collect more plasma per person [2]. It is considered less costly (more feasible) to purchase commercial plasma products than to generate self-sufficient amounts of plasma without compensation [5,6]. However, many blood collection agencies (BCAs) operating within a voluntary, non-remunerated donation system are unable to provide payment for plasma donations, and require alternative strategies to encourage people to donate plasma.…”