Perspectives of Paid Whole Blood and Plasma Donation

<abstitle>Summary</abstitle>Background: Although payment of blood donors is rejected by the WHO, FDA, EU and Red Cross, in Germany monetary compensation of expenses is permitted not only for plasmapheresis but also for whole blood donation. Material and Methods: The structure and organization of the institutions ensuring the blood supply in Germany and the pertaining aspects of blood safety will be discussed. Results: Data reported to the health authorities show that the frequency of transfusion-transmitted infection markers in the German donor population is low and that only very few infections have been transmitted through blood. This is underlined by a detailed analysis of the paid donor population of a small university blood service (UBS). The analysis documents a very stable and reliable cohort of predominantly repeat donors. Unpaid RC donors of blood units transfused to patients at the university hospital of Marburg showed a 16 times higher seroconversion rate than those of the UBS (p &lt; 0.0001). However, in a survey 77% of the paid donors denied continuation of blood donation in case payment would be stopped. Therefore, non-remuneration would result in acute blood supply shortages. Conclusion: Since increased blood shortages are to be expected anyway in the near future, all measures improving the supply with safe blood, including monetary compensation, should be objectively discussed without prejudice. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg