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.
Authors
- Mie Topholm Bruun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8819-5388)
- Christina Mikkelsen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2945-6197)
- Sabina Christensen
- Bjarne Kuno Møller (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2808-4755)
- Ole Birger Pedersen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2312-5976)
- Sisse Rye Ostrowski (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5288-3851)
- Kathrine Agergård Kaspersen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7973-3623)
- Bitten Aagaard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8306-1332)
- Louise Ørnskov Drechsler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0630-7850)
- Betina Samuelsen Sørensen
- Lotte Hindhede
- Christian Erikstrup
- Erik Sørensen
- Cecilie Munck Bjerre
- Anne Louise Pørtner
Institutions
- 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)
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
Funders
- Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
- Novo Nordisk Fonden