Blood plasma, the yellowish coloured liquid that holds the blood cells, is finding itself at the centre of an ethical debate; should blood donors be remunerated?

Currently in the UK there is only a voluntary blood donation scheme, whereby donors who offer their blood remain entirely unpaid. However in the light of emerging markets of blood plasma in countries such as the US, Germany and Austria, should the UK remunerate all donors?

According to some sources, estimates predict the global blood plasma industry will be worth $44.3bn by 2022. This may be because it usually takes only one hour to donate plasma, and the nature of the substance means that unlike normal blood that has to be refrigerated, plasma has a very long shelf life, also making international shipping simpler.

Many argue that incentivising blood plasma donations through payments, will increase supplies within the healthcare sector, and therefore resolve the current shortages.

However others argue that by paying for plasma, many of the most vulnerable communities in society could be preyed on and exploited.

The World Health Organization has requested a “100% non-remunerated blood donation in every country”, in order to maintain an entirely harmless and sustainable blood supply".

Would an economic incentive induce you to donate?