Voluntary non-remunerated plasma collection in Denmark: Experiences from the Central Denmark Region

Area of Science:

• Blood and Plasma Donation
• Public Health Policy
• Medicinal Product Supply Chain

Background:

• Increasing demand for plasma-derived medicinal products in Denmark.
• Plasma self-sufficiency via voluntary, non-remunerated donation is a national priority.
• Focus on plasma collection developments in the Central Denmark Region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe recent developments in plasma collection in Denmark.
• To evaluate the impact of infrastructure and donor initiatives on plasma collection in the Central Denmark Region.
• To assess progress towards plasma self-sufficiency.

Main Methods:

• Progressive expansion of plasma collection capacity, including dedicated units and increased staffing.
• Analysis of national and regional donation trends from 2016-2025.
• Summary of donor characteristics and donation frequency in the Central Denmark Region.
• Calculation of plasma self-sufficiency based on immunoglobulin yield.

Main Results:

• National plasma donations increased by 167% (2016-2025), reaching 161,438 donations and 65% self-sufficiency in 2025.
• Plasma donations in the Central Denmark Region more than tripled to 41,268, achieving 70% self-sufficiency.
• A single plasma center in the Central Denmark Region (1.4 million inhabitants) drove substantial donation increases.

Conclusions:

• Substantial expansion of plasma collection is feasible within a voluntary, non-remunerated system.
• Dedicated infrastructure and targeted donor recruitment/retention significantly boosted donations and self-sufficiency.
• Projected full self-sufficiency is anticipated within 1-2 years with planned facility expansions.