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

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Vox Sanguinis
Published
2026-08-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/vox.70339
Primary Topic
Blood donation and transfusion practices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

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

Mie Topholm Bruun, Christina Mikkelsen, Sabina Christensen, Bjarne Kuno Møller et al.
Vox Sanguinis
Blood donation and transfusion practices
article

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

Mie Topholm Bruun, Christina Mikkelsen, Sabina Christensen, Bjarne Kuno Møller, Ole Birger Pedersen, Sisse Rye Ostrowski, Kathrine Agergård Kaspersen, Bitten Aagaard, Louise Ørnskov Drechsler, Betina Samuelsen Sørensen, Lotte Hindhede, Christian Erikstrup, Erik Sørensen, Cecilie Munck Bjerre, Anne Louise Pørtner
article en

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Vox Sanguinis
University of Copenhagen (DK), Aarhus University (DK), Aalborg University Hospital (DK), Novo Nordisk Foundation (DK), Odense University Hospital (DK), Aarhus University Hospital (DK), Copenhagen University Hospital (DK), Rigshospitalet (DK), Zealand University Hospital Køge (DK)
Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond, Novo Nordisk Fonden
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Blood donation and transfusion practices
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