The recent tragic deaths of two plasma donors in Canada have led to a significant pause in operations at Grifols, the only private plasma donation clinic chain in the country. Following an autopsy revealing that Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student, died of cardiac arrest shortly after her donation, the company has decided to suspend collections amid a new government investigation into potentially unsafe practices.
Government Investigation and Non-Compliance Notice
On Wednesday, Grifols informed Health Canada of its decision to temporarily halt plasma collections. This announcement coincided with a formal notice of non-compliance issued by Health Canada, which cited the company for failing to adhere to established blood regulations. The investigation was sparked by the deaths of two donors, one in October 2025 and the other in January 2026, both of whom experienced distress during their plasma donations.
While Health Canada has not publicly identified the deceased donors, sources have confirmed that one of them was Rodiyat Alabede, who was donating plasma at a Winnipeg clinic on 25 October 2025. Following her death, patient advocates raised alarms about the adequacy of the screening processes at Grifols clinics. Kat Lanteigne, a campaigner for safe blood, claimed that staff were extracting plasma from donors without proper training, highlighting serious concerns regarding safety protocols.
Alabede’s Death and Calls for Inquest
An autopsy determined that Alabede succumbed to cardiac arrest shortly after her donation. However, Health Canada reported finding “no link” between her death and the plasma donation process. Advocates have demanded a fresh inquest into her case, citing alleged discrepancies between the findings of her autopsy and an official medical summary published by Health Canada in March 2026. These discrepancies have raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding her death and the operational standards at Grifols.
Inspection reports from May revealed several deficiencies within Grifols clinics, including inadequate staff training, poor record-keeping, and failures to adhere to standard operating procedures. Alarmingly, the reports indicated that staff did not cease plasma collection when alarms were triggered, and the company’s reporting practices were described as “incomplete” and “inaccurate.”
The Process of Plasma Donation
Plasma is a vital component of blood, serving multiple functions such as transporting blood cells and preventing excessive bleeding. It is also crucial in the production of medications for various medical conditions, including haemophilia and certain cancers. The process of donating plasma is distinct from that of whole blood donation, involving the use of an apheresis machine that separates plasma from blood and returns the remaining components to the donor’s body. This procedure typically takes about 90 minutes, in contrast to a standard blood donation, which lasts around 10 minutes.
In Canada, regulations surrounding paid plasma donation vary by province; while places like British Columbia and Quebec prohibit the practice, Manitoba allows companies to compensate donors. Grifols has been paying donors up to CAD 100 (£55) for each plasma donation, a practice that has been met with both support and scrutiny.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the suspension of collections, Grifols maintains that the two recent deaths are not linked to their plasma donation process. The company has characterised the pause as a proactive measure to address what it terms “unfounded attention” and to collaborate with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services.
Ensuring Safety in Plasma Donation
In response to the situation, Health Canada has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Canada’s blood and plasma supply. A spokesperson assured the public that the decision to pause collections would not compromise the overall safety and security of the blood supply across the nation.
Grifols is working closely with Health Canada to rectify identified deficiencies at its Taylor Avenue clinic in Winnipeg, with the aim of resuming operations in a safe and compliant manner.
Why it Matters
The tragic deaths of Rodiyat Alabede and another donor underscore critical issues surrounding the safety protocols in plasma donation practices. As the only private plasma collection chain in Canada, Grifols’ operations are under intense scrutiny, prompting calls for systemic changes to ensure donor safety. This incident not only raises questions about the regulatory framework governing plasma donation but also highlights the importance of rigorous training and adherence to safety standards in all medical practices. The findings of the ongoing investigation could lead to significant reforms, impacting the future of plasma donation in Canada and potentially beyond.
