In a significant move, a chain of private plasma donation centres in Canada has announced a temporary suspension of collections after the tragic deaths of two donors and a subsequent investigation by Health Canada into potential safety violations. Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company operating 17 clinics across the country, reported the decision to Health Canada, coinciding with the agency’s issuance of a non-compliance notice concerning adherence to blood donation regulations.
Investigation Uncovers Serious Concerns
The decision to pause donations follows two incidents where donors experienced distress during the plasma donation process, one occurring in October 2025 and the other in January 2026. Although Health Canada has not publicly disclosed the names of the individuals involved, sources indicate that one of the deceased was Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student and aspiring social worker who donated plasma in Winnipeg on 25 October.
In the wake of these events, patient advocates raised alarms about the protocols in place at Grifols clinics, particularly regarding the screening procedures for donors. Kat Lanteigne, a campaigner for safe blood practices and representative of Alabede’s family, claimed that staff were inadequately trained in proper plasma extraction techniques. “The failures were so egregious that now we have more questions than answers,” she stated.
An autopsy confirmed that Alabede’s death resulted from cardiac arrest shortly after her donation. While Health Canada reported finding “no link” between her death and the plasma donation, advocates are demanding a thorough inquest, citing “significant medical discrepancies” between the autopsy results and an official medical summary released by Health Canada in March of this year.
Safety Deficiencies in Plasma Donation Practices
Health Canada conducted inspections that uncovered a range of deficiencies at Grifols clinics, including insufficient staff training, inadequate adherence to established operating procedures, and poor record-keeping practices. Alarmingly, it was reported that staff did not halt plasma collection despite alarms indicating potential problems, and the company’s documentation has been described as “incomplete” and “inaccurate.”
Before the suspension, Grifols operated plasma donation sessions twice weekly, compensating donors up to C$100 (£55) for each donation. Plasma, a vital component of blood, plays a crucial role in transporting blood cells and preventing excessive bleeding, and it is used in the production of medications for various medical conditions, including haemophilia and certain cancers.
The donation process itself is distinct from standard blood donation; it typically takes around 90 minutes and involves using an apheresis machine to separate plasma from other blood components.
Provincial Regulations and Company Response
In Canada, the decision to allow paid plasma clinics falls to individual provinces and territories. Manitoba, where the recent deaths occurred, permits such practices, unlike British Columbia and Quebec, where paid donations are banned.
In response to the scrutiny, Grifols stated that the pause in collections was “proactive and voluntary” and was intended to address what they described as “unfounded attention” surrounding their operations. The company maintains that there is no connection between the two donor deaths and the plasma donation process.
Health Canada has confirmed that deficiencies were specifically identified at the Taylor Avenue Grifols location in Winnipeg. A spokesperson from the clinic assured that they are collaborating closely with Grifols to ensure a safe return to operations, stating, “Canadians can be assured that this decision will have no impact on the safety and security of Canada’s blood and plasma supply.”
Why it Matters
The suspension of plasma donations at Grifols clinics raises critical questions about donor safety and the regulatory environment surrounding paid plasma collection in Canada. With the tragic deaths of young donors prompting urgent calls for enhanced oversight, this incident underscores the necessity for stringent safety protocols and transparent practices in medical procedures. The response from health authorities and the company will be pivotal in restoring public trust in plasma donation and ensuring the well-being of future donors.