HealthNews

Survey reveals most Americans believe plasma donation saves lives, yet few have donated

Phlebotomist Latasha Hamilton (right) prepares Gabriela Moreno (left) and the equipment for donating plasma, a process that takes less than an hour. Credit: Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association

International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) takes place globally from October 6–10. The week encourages communities around the world to recognize the vital role of plasma in creating lifesaving medicines and honors those who donate. A new survey has found that 72% of respondents agree that plasma-derived medicines can save lives, yet most have not donated plasma.

The survey asked over 1,000 American adults questions about their understanding of plasma donation and lifesaving plasma-derived medicines. Plasma, a component of blood, is essential in producing treatments for a variety of serious health conditions, including immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, severe burns, and more. It is also used in everyday health care settings, such as during surgeries, childbirth, and organ transplants.

The need for plasma-derived medicines continues to rise as science reveals new uses and indications, as advances in standards of care expand their role in treatment. With hundreds of thousands of patients around the world depending on these unique therapies—and because plasma cannot be recreated in a lab—the importance of plasma donation is vital.

The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) commissioned the poll to better understand Americans’ perception of the growing need for plasma-derived medicines.

Notable survey findings include:

  • Eight in 10 survey respondents have never donated plasma.
  • About half (49%) of Americans who have never donated plasma feel they do not know enough about the donation process.
  • The survey also revealed a perceived disparity between blood and plasma donation, with 65% of respondents believing there is a greater need for donated blood than plasma, and 60% feeling that blood donation benefits more people.
See also  Detecting diabetes risk by analyzing household data






During IPAW and beyond, PPTA encourages all healthy adults over the age of 18 to consider giving the gift of life through plasma donation. Credit: Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association

“As the survey results show, there is increasing public awareness of the essential role plasma donation plays in saving lives,” stated Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association.

“However, understanding must continue to advance in order to meet growing patient needs. During IPAW, it’s important to recognize plasma donors as everyday heroes because, as the survey shows, Americans know that plasma donation saves lives.”

“As a patient who relies on the generosity of plasma donors, I feel optimistic about the survey results,” said Lillie Hunnicut, a Seattle-based plasma advocate and common variable immune deficiency patient.

“Donating plasma helps create medicines that help me and many others thrive! Thanks to my plasma-derived therapy, I can now run, hike, climb, and be active and present in my daily life in a way that I wasn’t for several years before my diagnosis and treatment. I am so grateful to the many donors who have given me not just my life back—but have strengthened my sense of hope in humanity.”

New survey: Most Americans believe plasma donation saves lives, yet few have donated
Before donating plasma, donors have their vitals checked, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, hemoglobin and weight as well as fill out a questionnaire to make sure they’re fit to donate. Credit: Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association

“An estimated half a million Americans have been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency (PI), though the actual number is likely much higher due to widespread underdiagnosis,” said Jorey Berry, President and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation.

“Many individuals with PI depend on life-saving plasma-derived medicines that cannot be manufactured synthetically and can only be produced through the generosity of human donors. It is my hope that this survey and International Plasma Awareness Week will shine a much-needed spotlight on the critical, ongoing need for plasma donation and help raise awareness of these often-overlooked immune system disorders.”

See also  Jellyfish invasion shuts down reactors at French nuclear power station – POLITICO

PPTA encourages all healthy adults over the age of 18 to consider giving the gift of life through plasma donation.

More information:
Visit www.pptaglobal.org/donate to learn more and find a donation center.

Provided by
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association

Citation:
Survey reveals most Americans believe plasma donation saves lives, yet few have donated (2025, October 6)
retrieved 6 October 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-survey-reveals-americans-plasma-donation.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.




Source link

Back to top button
close