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Delving into the plasma donation industry

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Vials of blood from donors for testing
This April 15, 2020 photo provided by New York Blood Center Enterprises shows vials of blood from donors for testing at the Blood Bank of Delmarva Christiana Donor Center in suburban Newark, Del. Survivors of COVID-19 are donating their blood plasma in droves in hopes it helps other patients recover from the coronavirus. And while the jury’s still out, now scientists are testing if the donations might also prevent infection in the first place. New York Blood Center Enterprises via AP Photo

The United States provides around 70 percent of the world’s plasma. But as a multibillion dollar global industry grows, research shows it relies on a small subset of low-income donors to meet global demand. We speak with three guests to learn more about the plasma donation industry.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Trevor Hook Producer
  • Maria Lopez Technical Director
  • Emily Gallagher Guest
  • Vanessa Veselka Guest
  • Analidis Ochoa Guest

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