Canadian plasma clinics pause collections after deaths of two donors

Canadian plasma clinics have paused all plasma donation activities following the deaths of two donors, prompting a government investigation into potential safety lapses. Grifols, the sole private plasma donation company in Canada, which operates 17 clinics nationwide, announced the temporary halt of collections on Wednesday. This decision came after Health Canada issued a formal notice of non-compliance, citing violations of blood regulations. The two fatalities occurred in October 2025 and January 2026, according to Health Canada, which disclosed the information in March of this year. Both donors were residents of Manitoba. Friends identified one of the deceased as Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student and future social worker who donated plasma in Winnipeg on 25 October. Alabede's family alleges that she suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the donation. An autopsy confirmed her death, though Health Canada stated it found “no link” between her condition and the plasma donation process. Patient advocates have raised concerns over the adequacy of Alabede’s screening prior to donation. Kat Lanteigne, a representative of Alabede’s family and a member of a safe blood campaign group, claimed that staff at the clinic failed to ensure proper extraction techniques. She noted that the situation was so severe that it left more questions than answers. Advocates have also pointed to discrepancies between the autopsy findings and the medical summary released by Health Canada, which they believe indicates possible errors or omissions. Health Canada inspection reports obtained by The Guardian reveal multiple deficiencies at Grifols clinics, particularly at the Taylor Avenue location in Winnipeg. These include insufficient staff training, flawed standard operating procedures, poor record-keeping, and a lack of corrective action for previous issues. Reports also indicate that staff did not halt plasma collection when alarm systems activated, and that the company’s documentation was described as incomplete and inaccurate. Before the recent pause, donors could contribute plasma twice weekly, earning up to C$100 per session. Plasma, a pale yellow liquid rich in proteins, plays a crucial role in transporting blood cells and preventing excessive bleeding. It is essential in producing treatments for conditions such as haemophilia, liver disease, and certain cancers. The donation process involves an apheresis machine that separates blood into components, returning the unused portion to the donor. This procedure typically lasts around 90 minutes, compared to a regular blood draw, which takes approximately 10 minutes. In Canada, the regulation of paid plasma donation varies by province and territory. While British Columbia and Quebec prohibit the practice, Manitoba allows it, as do other regions. Grifols maintains that its decision to suspend operations was proactive and voluntary, driven by what it termed “unfounded attention.” The company asserts that the two deaths are unrelated to the plasma donation process and that it is collaborating with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services to address any concerns. On Friday, Health Canada highlighted specific deficiencies at the Taylor Avenue clinic, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements. A spokesperson for the clinic confirmed ongoing efforts to comply with regulatory standards and to enhance operational safety. As investigations continue, the broader implications for plasma donation practices in Canada remain under scrutiny.