The different barriers to donating plasma in plasma donors, whole blood donors, and non‐donors in the United Kingdom

Background Plasma donation is critical for the production of plasma‐derived medicinal products, yet donor recruitment and retention remains challenging within a volunteer system. This paper explores deterrents to plasma donation among current plasma donors, whole‐blood donors, lapsed whole‐blood donors, and non‐donors in the United Kingdom, and self‐reported post‐donation symptoms in plasma donors. Study Design and Methods An online survey of the UK general public (current and lapsed blood donors, and non‐donors: n = 2861) and English current plasma donors ( n = 448), and one‐to‐one interviews ( n = 25) with plasma donors were conducted. Participants identified deterrents to plasma donation, and plasma donors described post‐donation symptoms. Results Plasma donors reported distinct deterrents around time constraints and ineligibility. There were differences by donor status. Blood, plasma, and non‐donors all report pain, lack of travel compensation, involvement of private companies and incentives as concerns. Lack of awareness was salient for non‐donors and blood donors, while non‐donors had concerns about neurodiversity and donors about incentives to change. Being deferred on the day, described as an embarrassing “walk of shame,” was a unique deterrent to plasma donors. 11.8% (53/488) of plasma donors reported symptoms of feeling ill after donation. Of these, 73% ( n = 38) occurred and were managed in center (e.g., feeling faint, bruising) and 25% ( n = 13) outside of the center (e.g., feeling faint) and managed by the donor (2% other). Discussion Different profiles of deterrents were observed for plasma donors compared to whole blood and non‐donors. Recommendations for the recruitment and retention of plasma donors in England are discussed.