Gift or Good?: A Contemporary Examination of the Voluntary and Commercial Aspects of Blood Donation

Abstract

The safety and ethical aspects of blood donation are examined in the light of current legislation and practice. The advantages and disadvantages of voluntary and paid donation are looked at in view of recent data concerning risk factors in various potential donor groups. It is concluded that voluntary, non‐remunerated blood donation remains the safest and most ethical means of securing the blood supply. © 1992 Blackwell Publishing Ltd