One of the most common questions we get asked is if we pay people to give blood, platelets, or plasma. The quick answer is no, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Blood and blood components are an intricate part of the healthcare system. There are two types of blood/blood product donations: paid and volunteer.
So, what’s the difference between paid and volunteer donations?
Paid donations (most commonly plasma, but sometimes blood and/or platelets) are used by being manufactured into medications and biotherapies. These medications and biotherapies are used as part of treatment plans for people living with rare and complex chronic diseases, immune deficiency disorders, nervous system disorders, hemophilia patients, and more.
Volunteer donations are used directly by patients via transfusion. Whole blood and red blood cells are used to treat trauma, sickle cell disease, low red cell counts like anemia, and in support of routine surgery. Platelets are used to stop bleeding, treat cancer patients whose platelet counts are compromised by treatment plans, or in the treatment of bleeding disorders. Plasma is commonly used to treat trauma involving loss of large blood volume, burn victims, and for patients suffering from clotting factor deficiencies.
Paid and volunteer donations are licensed, tested, and regulated differently by the FDA.
Which type of donation is better?
Both types of donations are needed and important. At LifeShare, we rely on volunteer donors to distribute blood and blood components directly to patients in need of transfusions.
Schedule your next lifesaving donation today!