Blood Plasma Statistics in US 2026 | Key Facts

Blood Plasma in the US 2026

The blood plasma industry in the United States has become an essential pillar of both healthcare and the American economy in 2026, with approximately 200,000 people donating plasma daily across more than 1,247 plasma collection centers nationwide. As of February 2026, Americans earned an estimated $4.7 billion in 2025 from selling their plasma, a figure that has grown over 30% since 2022 as rising living costs have driven more middle-class Americans to this income source. The United States uniquely dominates the global plasma supply, providing approximately 70% of the world’s plasma and exporting $6.2 billion worth of plasma-derived products overseas in 2024. This remarkable market position stems from American regulations that permit donors to give plasma up to twice weekly with financial compensation ranging from $50 to $120 per visit, policies that differ dramatically from most other developed nations where paid donation is restricted or banned entirely.

Understanding the blood plasma statistics in the US 2026 requires examining both the medical necessity driving this industry and the economic forces sustaining it. The healthcare system relies on nearly 5,200 units of plasma transfused daily to treat patients with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, trauma injuries, and numerous other life-threatening conditions. Plasma cannot be manufactured synthetically in laboratories, making human donation the sole source for plasma-derived therapies that serve over 14 million patients worldwide annually. The industry collected approximately 62.5 million liters of plasma in 2024, representing an 8.41% increase from the previous year, driven not by new facility construction but by next-generation plasmapheresis machines that extract 9-12% more plasma per donor compared to earlier technology. This growth occurs against a backdrop of expanding plasma collection centers from 478 facilities in 2014 to 1,247 centers as of December 31, 2025, making plasma donation centers now more common across America than community colleges or Kohl’s department stores.

Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics on Blood Plasma in the US 2026

Data sources: NBC News economic analysis (February 2026), America’s Blood Centers National Blood Collection Survey (February 2026), Peter Jaworski Blood Plasma Quarterly (January 2026), CDC Blood Safety data (2024-2026), Cornell Emerging Markets Institute (May 2025), FDA blood establishment databases

The statistics reveal a plasma donation landscape fundamentally shaped by economic necessity and medical demand. The $4.7 billion earned by American donors in 2025 represents a 30%+ increase since 2022, correlating directly with rising inflation and housing costs that now consume over 50% of household income for many Americans. The 1,247 plasma collection centers operating as of December 31, 2025, serve a population of approximately 340 million Americans, creating an average of one center for every 276,198 residents, though regional distribution varies dramatically. States like Texas lead with the highest concentration while four states and the District of Columbia still lack any plasma facilities. The 62.5 million liters collected in 2024 exceeded previous records not through facility expansion, which saw only 9 new centers added (less than 1% growth), but through technological advancement as next-generation machines extract 9-12% more plasma per donor.

The financial incentives driving this industry demonstrate why America dominates global supply. Donors earning $50-$120 per visit and donating the FDA-permitted maximum of twice weekly can generate $400-$1,000 monthly, with new donor bonuses pushing first-month earnings to $700-$1,200. This compensation structure, legal only in a handful of countries, enables the United States to supply 70% of the world’s plasma, including meeting the needs of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, which maintain bans or heavy restrictions on paid donation. The export value of $6.2 billion in plasma products (2024) and $37 billion in total blood products (2023) exceeds America’s coal and gold exports combined, cementing plasma as a significant if often overlooked component of the national economy. The 48-hour minimum recovery time and 104 donations annual maximum protect donor safety while maintaining the consistent supply needed to treat 14+ million patients worldwide who depend on plasma-derived therapies.

Plasma Collection Center Distribution and Growth in the US 2026

Data sources: Peter Jaworski Blood Plasma Quarterly (November 2024 and January 2026), Marketing Research Bureau plasma industry analysis, Statista plasma collection data, CSL Plasma corporate reports, industry market research

The 1,247 plasma collection centers operating across the United States as of December 31, 2025, represent a remarkable expansion from just 478 facilities in 2014, though the pace of growth has decelerated sharply in recent years. The industry added only 9 centers in 2025, representing less than 1% growth, a dramatic slowdown from the 11% annual average that characterized the decade from 2014 to 2024. This deceleration reflects market saturation in prime locations and the industry’s strategic pivot from geographic expansion to technological optimization. The 769 centers added over eleven years demonstrates sustained investment despite regulatory complexity, with the most rapid growth occurring between 2016 and 2023 when the total doubled in just seven years compared to eleven years required for the previous doubling from 2005 to 2016.

The geographic distribution creates significant disparities in access to plasma donation opportunities. Texas leads all states with the highest concentration of centers, accounting for approximately 4.6% of the national total, followed by Georgia, California, and Florida which collectively represent about 8.8% of facilities. Yet four states plus the District of Columbia still lack any plasma collection centers, leaving residents in these areas unable to participate without traveling to neighboring states. The one center per 276,198 residents national average masks dramatic regional variation, with some states like Wisconsin maintaining a center for every 196,457 residents while others far exceed the national ratio. The market consolidation among the “Big Five” companies (CSL Plasma, Grifols, Takeda, Octapharma, and Kedrion) controlling 90% of centers creates operational efficiency but limits competitive pressure on donor compensation rates. CSL Plasma alone operates over 300 centers making it the single largest operator, while Grifols holds approximately 30% market share. The proliferation of centers has reached the point where plasma donation facilities now outnumber community colleges (just over 1,000) and approach the ubiquity of major retail chains like Kohl’s (approximately 1,175 locations) and restaurant franchises like Denny’s (around 1,300 locations).

Plasma Donation Volume and Collection Technology in the US 2026

Data sources: Peter Jaworski Blood Plasma Quarterly (January 2026), Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), WHO blood donation statistics, academic plasma industry studies, medical device manufacturer specifications

The 62.5 million liters of plasma collected in 2024 represents an 8.41% increase over the 57.6 million liters collected in 2023, continuing a growth trajectory driven primarily by technological innovation rather than facility expansion. The industry’s widespread adoption of next-generation plasmapheresis machines throughout 2025, including Fresenius Kabi’s Aurora Xi, Terumo’s RIKA, and Haemonetics’ Persona systems, enabled centers to extract 9-12% more plasma per donor through personalized nomograms that optimize collection based on individual donor characteristics. This technological leap means that 10 centers equipped with modern machines can now collect approximately the same plasma volume that required 11 centers using previous-generation equipment, explaining why the industry added only 9 new facilities in 2025 while still achieving substantial collection growth.

The 69.3 million liters projected for 2026 assumes continuation of the 11% annual growth rate observed over the past decade, though this depends on sustained donor participation from the approximately 200,000 people donating daily. Each donor can contribute up to 91.52 liters annually by maximizing the FDA-permitted 104 donations per year (twice weekly for 52 weeks) and donating the maximum 880 milliliters per session allowed for donors meeting weight requirements. However, actual average donations fall considerably below this theoretical maximum since most donors don’t maintain twice-weekly consistency year-round and many weigh less than the threshold for maximum volume donation. The collection volume has not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 53.5 million donations recorded in 2019 before COVID-19 lockdowns caused participation to plummet to approximately 43 million donations in 2020. The partial recovery reflects both economic necessity driving increased participation and technological improvements compensating for donor numbers that remain below 2019 peaks. The United States’ 70% share of global plasma supply stems from being one of only five countries (along with Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary) that collectively provide 80% of the world’s plasma, with American policies permitting both frequent donation and financial compensation creating uniquely favorable conditions for large-scale collection operations.

Donor Compensation and Economics in the US 2026

Data sources: NBC News economic investigation (February 2026), Peter Jaworski economic analysis (January 2026), plasma center websites (CSL, BioLife, Octapharma, 2026), IRS plasma income guidelines, donor payment data aggregation

The $50-$120 per-visit compensation range for plasma donors in 2026 reflects a complex pricing structure based on donor weight, geographic location, visit number within a week or month, and promotional bonuses offered by individual centers. Donors who maintain the FDA-permitted maximum schedule of twice weekly throughout the year earn between $400 and $1,000 monthly, creating a reliable income stream that has become economically crucial for millions of Americans facing rising living costs. The $4.7 billion earned collectively by US plasma donors in 2025 represents a 30%+ increase since 2022, a growth rate that mirrors inflation and rent increases forcing middle-class Americans to seek supplemental income sources. New donors benefit from aggressive recruitment incentives worth $700-$1,200 in their first month through promotional bonuses and higher initial payment rates designed to establish donation habits.

The economics behind donor compensation reveal an industry with relatively thin profit margins despite substantial gross revenues. Plasma centers typically sell collected plasma to pharmaceutical fractionators for approximately $190 per liter, from which donors receive 30-40% as direct payment (roughly $57-$76 per liter). The remaining revenue covers substantial operational costs including employee salaries, medical supplies (“softgoods”), facility overhead, infectious disease testing for every donation, and regulatory compliance expenses. After accounting for all costs, centers typically retain 8-12% profit margins, or about $15 per liter collected. This means donors are not being exploited by predatory corporations but rather participate in a high-volume, low-margin business model where sustained donor participation drives profitability. The weight-based premium of 40-60% more for heavier donors reflects the FDA’s permission to collect larger plasma volumes (up to 880ml versus 690ml minimum) from donors weighing more, directly increasing center revenue per visit. The 20-40% higher payments in urban centers versus rural areas compensate for higher operating costs in expensive metropolitan markets while also reflecting greater competition for donors in densely populated regions with multiple facilities.

Daily Plasma Requirements and Medical Applications in the US 2026

Data sources: CDC Blood Safety Division (February 2026), America’s Blood Centers National Blood Collection Survey (February 2026), American Journal of Hematology studies, Red Cross blood usage data

The US healthcare system requires approximately 5,200 units of plasma transfused daily as of February 2026, a figure that represents a decrease from earlier estimates of 6,500 units daily, though this reduction likely reflects updated methodology rather than decreased medical need. These 5,200 daily transfusions constitute a vital but smaller volume compared to the 30,000 units of red blood cells transfused each day, yet plasma’s medical applications are equally critical for patient survival. The fact that someone in America needs blood or plasma every 2 seconds underscores the constant demand placing pressure on donation infrastructure. Among the 3,651,000 patients who received red blood cell transfusions in 2023, many also required concurrent plasma transfusions, particularly trauma patients, surgical patients, and those with complex medical conditions affecting multiple blood components.

Plasma comprises approximately 55% of blood volume, making it the largest single component in whole blood, though its yellow liquid appearance differs dramatically from the familiar red blood cells. Once collected through plasmapheresis, plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 1 year as fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for direct transfusion, though the majority of commercially collected plasma undergoes fractionation into derivative products including immunoglobulin (IgG), albumin, and clotting factors. More than 85% of plasma used for pharmaceutical manufacturing comes from “source plasma” collected through commercial donation centers rather than from whole blood donations at organizations like the Red Cross. This commercial plasma feeds a global industry treating over 800,000 patients with immunoglobulin therapy, with the United States accounting for more than 200,000 of these patients (over 25% of the global total). Specific conditions driving plasma demand include 100,000 Americans affected by sickle cell disease requiring regular transfusions, and an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases annually in 2022, many of whom need plasma during chemotherapy or surgical treatment. The 30 million liters collected in approximately 40 million procedures in 2017 has since grown to 62.5 million liters in 2024, demonstrating sustained expansion matching rising therapeutic applications and growing patient populations with immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders treatable with plasma-derived medications.

FDA Regulations and Safety Standards in the US 2026

Data sources: FDA blood donation regulations (21 CFR 640), CDC blood safety surveillance, America’s Blood Centers safety documentation, AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) standards

The FDA’s regulation of plasma donation through the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) establishes comprehensive safety standards protecting both donors and recipients. The fundamental limit of twice per 7-day period with a 48-hour minimum between donations aims to prevent protein depletion and allow the body to replenish plasma proteins, particularly immunoglobulins and albumin that maintain immune function and osmotic pressure. This creates a theoretical maximum of 104 donations annually (twice weekly for 52 weeks), though most donors don’t achieve this maximum due to occasional scheduling conflicts, temporary deferrals, or personal health factors. The 18-69 year age range and 110-pound minimum weight serve as baseline eligibility criteria, though individual centers may impose more restrictive requirements based on their medical director’s judgment.

Every donation triggers multiple safety protocols including comprehensive health screening through medical examination and detailed questionnaires about recent travel, medications, sexual behavior, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. All plasma undergoes infectious disease testing for HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and other pathogens using highly sensitive nucleic acid testing (NAT) methods that detect viral genetic material before antibodies appear, dramatically reducing the window period during which infected donations might slip through screening. The FDA inspects all blood establishments at least every 2 years, though high-risk facilities may face more frequent scrutiny, ensuring compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. The national donor database shared among centers prevents individuals from circumventing safety limits by donating at multiple facilities more frequently than permitted, with attempts to do so constituting fraud resulting in permanent deferral. Donors who have given whole blood must wait 56 days (8 weeks) before donating plasma to allow complete red blood cell recovery, protecting against anemia. The safety record of the US blood supply has improved dramatically over decades, with modern testing reducing residual risks of HIV, HCV, and HBV transmission to extremely low levels measured in less than 1 per million donations for most pathogens, making plasma donation and transfusion far safer than ever before in medical history.

Global Plasma Trade and Export Statistics in the US 2026

Data sources: Cornell Emerging Markets Institute analysis (May 2025), Peter Jaworski Blood Plasma Quarterly (November 2024), WHO voluntary blood donation statistics, Grifols corporate reports, PPTA global plasma data

The United States’ 70% share of the global plasma supply represents an extraordinary market dominance in a critical medical resource, with the $37 billion in total blood product exports in 2023 exceeding America’s combined coal and gold exports, yet receiving far less public attention despite its economic and humanitarian significance. The more focused $6.2 billion in plasma product exports in 2024 flows primarily to developed nations like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand that maintain strict bans or heavy restrictions on paid plasma donation, creating structural dependency on American supply. The concentration is remarkable: just five countries (United States, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary) provide 80% of the world’s plasma, with America alone accounting for the overwhelming majority through its 1,247 collection centers and permissive regulatory environment allowing twice-weekly compensated donations.

The $35.8 billion global plasma market value in 2024 is projected to reach nearly $80 billion by 2034 through 8.5% compound annual growth, driven by expanding therapeutic applications, aging populations in developed economies, and increasing diagnoses of immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders treatable with plasma-derived medications. This growth continues the 8.7% annual immunoglobulin demand increase observed from 2000 through 2020, a trend showing no signs of abating. Major multinational corporations including Grifols (processing 25% of global plasma supply through approximately 400 centers worldwide), CSL Behring, Takeda, Octapharma, and Kedrion dominate fractionation and collection, with these “Big Five” controlling 90% of US centers. The strategic importance of this supply chain becomes evident when examining specific dependencies: Canada imported plasma equivalent to the output of 38 US collection centers in 2023 (7.5 million grams of immunoglobulin), while the combined CANZUK countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom) imported plasma equivalent to 94 US centers (19 million grams). Even smaller nations like Denmark, with 4 collection centers serving 5.9 million people, imported plasma equivalent to 3 additional US centers (600,000 grams), demonstrating that its domestic collection meets less than half of national needs. Emerging markets remain largely underdeveloped due to infrastructure deficits, restrictive legislation prohibiting paid donation, and healthcare system challenges, though companies are beginning to establish public-private partnerships in countries like Egypt and Uzbekistan to address regional supply shortages.

Donor Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors in the US 2026

Data sources: NBC News economic investigation (February 2026), donor interviews and testimonials, University of Colorado Boulder economic research, plasma center customer studies

The approximately 200,000 people donating plasma daily across America in 2026 represent a dramatically shifted demographic profile, with middle-class workers increasingly joining the donor pool alongside traditionally economically vulnerable populations. The NBC News investigation published February 12, 2026, documented donors including a 43-year-old DoorDash driver supplementing gig economy earnings with $65 per visit for “toilet paper and pet food,” and a school district administrative worker holding multiple part-time jobs who relies on plasma income after 50% of her $3,200 monthly take-home goes to rent for a two-bedroom apartment. These anecdotes illuminate the 30%+ growth in the $4.7 billion industry since 2022, correlating directly with inflation rates that have pushed basic living expenses beyond the reach of single-income households.

The expansion of plasma centers into suburban strip malls and middle-class neighborhoods, rather than concentrating solely in economically depressed areas, reflects the industry’s recognition that financial pressure now extends far beyond traditional poverty populations. The top 1% of American households now control over 30% of national wealth, up from 22.8% in 1989, while median wages have stagnated relative to housing costs that consume 50% or more of household income for millions of families. Under these conditions, the $400-$800 monthly income from plasma donation makes meaningful differences for expenses like childcare, car repairs, medical copays, and emergency savings. Many donors explicitly view plasma income as temporary, expressing hope to “stop as soon as possible” once their financial situation improves, yet the structural economic forces driving participation show little sign of abating. The industry’s targeting of college towns reflects student populations facing similar pressures from tuition, housing, and living expenses. Reported side effects including dizziness, bruising, and exhaustion after donations, combined with emerging research suggesting protein depletion and reduced antibody levels in frequent donors, raise questions about the long-term health trade-offs of twice-weekly donation, though FDA officials note that “serious outcomes related to plasma donation appear rare” based on available data. The notable concentration of Texas border-region centers reflects a unique phenomenon where Mexican nationals make day trips across the border to donate at rates higher than typical American participation, drawn by compensation levels representing significant income in peso terms despite being standard US rates.

Industry Challenges and Future Projections in the US 2026

Data sources: Peter Jaworski Blood Plasma Quarterly (January 2026), pharmaceutical industry analyses, WHO plasma therapy projections, plasma technology research publications

The plasma industry faces a critical inflection point in 2026 as the rapid center expansion that characterized the past decade has decelerated to less than 1% growth in 2025, forcing the industry to rely increasingly on technological solutions rather than geographic expansion to meet rising demand. Conservative projections estimate 1,333 centers by end of 2026 and 1,439 centers by 2027 if the current 8% growth rate continues, while more optimistic forecasts suggest 1,688 centers by 2027 if the historical 11% annual growth resumes. The reality likely falls between these extremes as market saturation in prime locations limits profitable expansion opportunities, with the four states and District of Columbia still lacking centers representing either untapped markets or areas where demographics don’t support financially viable operations.

The industry’s salvation may lie in continued technological advancement, with the 9-12% efficiency gains from next-generation plasmapheresis machines demonstrating that innovation can substitute for square footage. These machines enable 10 centers equipped with modern equipment to match the collection volume of 11 centers using older technology, allowing the 62.5 million liters collected in 2024 to grow to a projected 69.3 million liters in 2026 despite minimal facility expansion. However, this assumes sustained donor participation, which remains below pre-pandemic peaks even years after COVID-19 lockdowns ended. The limited research on long-term health effects of twice-weekly donation represents another challenge, as anecdotal reports of fatigue and protein depletion gain attention at a time when middle-class donors with more options might reconsider participation if health risks become clearer. The FDA’s twice-weekly guideline has remained unchanged since the 1970s despite dramatic increases in donation frequency among regular participants, potentially warranting updated research given modern medical understanding. The emergence of recombinant therapies that could eventually produce alternatives to plasma-derived treatments poses an existential long-term threat, though current technology can’t replicate the complex mixture of proteins found in natural plasma. For importing nations, the structural dependency on American supply creates strategic vulnerability, with countries like Canada and the UK heavily reliant on US collection infrastructure that could face disruption from pandemic, regulatory changes, or economic factors reducing donor participation. The 8.5% annual global demand growth projected through 2034 requires either sustained expansion of collection capacity or therapeutic innovations reducing plasma consumption per patient, making the next decade critical for determining whether the current American-dominated supply model remains viable or whether countries must reconsider paid donation policies to achieve self-sufficiency.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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