Transfusion medicine handbook

2. Collection, Testing and Processing of Blood Donation

2.3 Self-sufficiency and the Volunteer Status of Donors

New Zealand has adopted recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in achieving self-sufficiency in safe blood supply, based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD).

Defined by the WHO, self-sufficiency means that the national needs of patients are met in a timely manner, that patients have equitable access to transfusion services, blood components and fractionated products, and that these are obtained from VNRBD of national, and where needed, of regional origin, such as from neighbouring countries.

Donation is considered voluntary and non-remunerated if the person gives blood, plasma or cellular components of their own free will and receives no payment for it, either in the form of cash, or in kind which could be considered a substitute for money. This would include time off work other than that reasonably needed for the donation and travel. Small tokens, refreshments and reimbursements of direct travel costs are compatible with voluntary, non-remunerated donation.