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

In Denmark, increasing demand for plasma-derived medicinal products has made plasma self-sufficiency based on voluntary, non-remunerated donation a political priority. This report describes recent developments in plasma collection, with a focus on the Central Denmark Region.

Plasma capacity was expanded progressively over time through dedicated units, increased staffing and donor-focused initiatives in the Central Denmark Region, particularly in 2024. National and regional donation trends were described for 2016-2025. Donor characteristics and donation frequency were summarized for the Central Denmark Region. Plasma self-sufficiency was calculated assuming an immunoglobulin yield of 5 g/kg plasma.

From 2016 to 2025, national plasma donations increased by 167% reaching 161,438 donations in 2025, corresponding to 65% self-sufficiency. In the same period, plasma donations in the Central Denmark Region increased more than threefold to 41,268 corresponding to 70% self-sufficiency.

Plasma collection can be substantially expanded within a voluntary, non-remunerated system. In the Central Denmark Region, dedicated infrastructure and targeted recruitment and retention were associated with a more than threefold increase in donations and 70% self-sufficiency, achieved through a single plasma centre in a region with 1.4 million inhabitants. The opening of four additional small facilities (November 2025-April 2026) supports projected full self-sufficiency within 1-2 years.