Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
In defence of non-remunerated blood donation
1Head of the Bioethics Unit, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Numerous documents concerning bioethics and human rights recognise that the human body and its parts should not be bought or sold or be source of profit. Voluntary, non-remunerated donation is recognised by all the major competent bodies in the field as a cornerstone for the safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products. In several nations so-called "donors" nonetheless receive remuneration or reimbursements that frequently verge on actual payments. In addition, there is constant pressure - especially from for-profit organisations--to introduce payments for "donors". Against this background it may perhaps be useful to reassert the basic principles underlying the non-remunerated donation of blood.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
Veins as Blood Reservoirs

