Why So Many Companies Want U.S. Blood
CNBC・2 minutes read
The North American blood market is worth $3.3 billion, with the U.S. supplying 70% of the world's plasma, leading to sporadic shortages due to high demand. Major players like Grifols and CSL Plasma focus on plasma collection and offer financial incentives to donors, with legislation supporting diverse donor pools urged for global access to life-saving therapies.
Insights
- The North American blood market is valued at $3.3 billion, with the U.S. supplying 70% of the world's plasma, creating a unique economy with financial rewards for donors.
- FDA policies regarding blood donation have evolved, particularly for gay men, focusing on individual risk assessments and advocating for legislation supporting diverse donor pools to enhance global access to life-saving therapies.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Why is there a high demand for human blood?
The demand for human blood is high due to its irreplaceable nature, leading to sporadic shortages with potential life or death consequences. Blood is essential for various medical procedures, transfusions, and treatments, making it a critical resource in healthcare settings. Without an adequate supply of blood, patients in need may face serious health complications or even death.
What are the major players in the blood collection industry?
Major players in the blood collection industry include Grifols, CSL Plasma, Takeda's BioLife, and Octapharma. These companies focus on plasma collection for therapies and play a significant role in the global blood economy. By collecting and processing blood products, these industry leaders contribute to meeting the demand for life-saving treatments and medications derived from blood plasma.
How much of the world's plasma does the U.S. supply?
The U.S. supplies 70% of the world's plasma, creating a unique American blood economy with rewards for donors. This significant contribution to the global supply of plasma highlights the importance of the U.S. in meeting the demand for plasma-derived therapies worldwide. Donors in the U.S. play a crucial role in supporting healthcare systems and providing essential treatments to patients in need.
What are the different methods of blood donation?
Blood donation methods include whole blood donation, plasma donation, and apheresis unit donation, each serving different medical purposes. Whole blood donation is commonly used for transfusions, while plasma donation is essential for producing medications and treatments. Apheresis unit donation allows donors to contribute specific blood components, such as platelets or plasma, based on medical requirements.
How much can donors earn from plasma donation?
Plasma donation centers offer financial incentives, with donors able to make $30 to $50 per visit and up to $700 monthly. By compensating donors for their contributions, these centers encourage regular donations and help maintain a stable supply of plasma for medical purposes. The financial rewards provided to donors serve as a way to recognize their valuable role in supporting healthcare initiatives and saving lives through plasma-derived therapies.
Related videos
Java Discover | Free Global Documentaries & Clips
Harvesting the Blood of America’s Poor: Big Pharma's Blood Plasma Business | Documentary
Real Science
The World's Most Dangerous Blood Type
Medicosis Perfectionalis
Blood Products: Fresh Frozen Plasma, Packed RBCs, Cryoprecipitate, and more
Jean Ruddell
Transfusion therapy
National Geographic
Black Market Organs (Full Episode) | Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller
Summary
00:00
The Lucrative American Blood Market
- The North American blood market was valued at $3.3 billion in 2021, with America's blood comprising over 2% of U.S. exports.
- Demand for human blood is high due to its irreplaceable nature, leading to sporadic shortages with potential life or death consequences.
- Major players in the blood collection industry include Grifols, CSL Plasma, Takeda's BioLife, and Octapharma, focusing on plasma collection for therapies.
- The U.S. supplies 70% of the world's plasma, creating a unique American blood economy with rewards for donors.
- Blood donation methods include whole blood donation, plasma donation, and apheresis unit donation, each serving different medical purposes.
- Blood plasma, constituting 55% of blood, is rich in nutrients and used in medicines to treat various medical conditions.
- Blood donation eligibility requires good health and a detailed donor history questionnaire to ensure safety.
- FDA policies regarding blood donation have evolved over the years, particularly concerning gay men's eligibility, aiming for individual risk-based assessments.
- Plasma donation centers offer financial incentives, with donors able to make $30 to $50 per visit and up to $700 monthly.
- Legislation supporting diverse donor pools and public-private plasma donation programs is advocated to enhance global access to life-saving therapies.
13:16
Diverse American donors crucial for sickle cell patients.
- American donors are the best match for sickle cell disease patients.
- Encouragement to increase younger and diverse donors to reflect America's diversity.
- Urgent need for a diverse donor base.
- Emphasis on making blood donation a regular habit, suggesting doing it annually on one's birthday or finding a routine.
