Work

The different barriers to donating plasma in plasma donors, whole blood donors, and non‐donors in the United Kingdom

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Plasma donation is critical for the production of plasma-derived medicinal products, yet donor recruitment and retention remains challenging within a volunteer system. This paper explores deterrents to plasma donation among current plasma donors, whole-blood donors, lapsed whole-blood donors, and non-donors in the United Kingdom, and self-reported post-donation symptoms in plasma donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An online survey of the UK general public (current and lapsed blood donors, and non-donors: n = 2861) and English current plasma donors (n = 448), and one-to-one interviews (n = 25) with plasma donors were conducted. Participants identified deterrents to plasma donation, and plasma donors described post-donation symptoms. RESULTS: Plasma donors reported distinct deterrents around time constraints and ineligibility. There were differences by donor status. Blood, plasma, and non-donors all report pain, lack of travel compensation, involvement of private companies and incentives as concerns. Lack of awareness was salient for non-donors and blood donors, while non-donors had concerns about neurodiversity and donors about incentives to change. Being deferred on the day, described as an embarrassing "walk of shame," was a unique deterrent to plasma donors. 11.8% (53/488) of plasma donors reported symptoms of feeling ill after donation. Of these, 73% (n = 38) occurred and were managed in center (e.g., feeling faint, bruising) and 25% (n = 13) outside of the center (e.g., feeling faint) and managed by the donor (2% other). DISCUSSION: Different profiles of deterrents were observed for plasma donors compared to whole blood and non-donors. Recommendations for the recruitment and retention of plasma donors in England are discussed.

Source: Transfusion

DOI: 10.1111/trf.70081