1y ago

For-profit plasma could spell disaster for Canada’s blood supply

5 comments

But you can't force people to donate, so you pay people to entice them, with inflation like it is a cookie and cup of juice ain't enough for even my time
- Yes, and notably, this isn't about regular blood donation. Plasma donation specifically is a time consuming process, taking 1-2 hours. I don't think not compensating regular blood donors results in the same kind of shortage.
The status quo is dependence on paid plasma, we import about 80% of our plasma from the US, because you don't get enough donors when you don't compensate them. Everyone else in the donation chain gets compensated (phlebotomists, doctors, nurses, receptionist...), and there's nothing wrong with compensating the donor as well.
- I agree with your final statement with respect to cadavers, as well.
  Someone has a rare condition that leads to some scientific insight that makes a researcher or company rich, and they get nothing. People make tens of thousands of dollars processing bodies for organ transplants, and the donor's family get a thank you note.
  Let's not pretend that the medical tissue harvesting and usage system isn't for-profit. The only people not getting ahead in the process are the people literally giving of themselves for the sake of others.
- CBS has only 8 locations for plasma donations. The vast majority of Canadians live no where near these locations! It's like they're not even trying, and are surprised they are failing!