The Documentary Podcast America: The human plasma factory
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May 25, 2025 Journalist Kathleen McLaughlin dives deep into the booming plasma industry, sharing her personal journey as a patient reliant on costly plasma-derived medication. She uncovers the ethical complexities and commercialization of plasma donation in the U.S. Kathleen discusses the historical context of the industry, including lessons learned from the HIV crisis. She also highlights the economic impact on communities, revealing how plasma centers can alleviate local financial pressures while raising questions about donor compensation and safety standards.
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Kathleen's Personal Plasma Story
- Kathleen McLaughlin needs $15,000-a-dose medication for her rare autoimmune disorder.
- She reflects on the thousands of plasma donors whose blood makes her treatment possible.
US Dominates Global Plasma Supply
- The US provides 70% of global plasma despite only having 5% of the world's population.
- This dominance is due to allowing paid plasma donation and a commercial industry.
Frequent Donors and Regulations
- Repeat plasma donors are the safest, incentivizing companies to encourage frequent donations.
- Donation frequency regulations vary widely, from twice a week in the US to much less in Europe.