Canadian plasma clinics pause collections after deaths of two donors

Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company operating 17 private plasma donation clinics in Canada, has announced a temporary halt to collections following the deaths of two donors and a government investigation into potential unsafe practices. The company informed Health Canada of its decision on Wednesday, and the agency had previously issued a formal notice of non-compliance for failing to adhere to blood regulations.

The two tragic deaths occurred in October 2025 and January 2026 at clinics in Manitoba, Canada, both involving donors who experienced "distress" during plasma donations. One of the victims, Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student and aspiring social worker, donated plasma in Winnipeg on October 25. Friends of Alabede have claimed that he was inadequately screened before donating.

According to patient advocate Kat Lanteigne, staff at the clinics were allegedly taking plasma from donors who did not know how to do so safely.

Health Canada investigated Alabede's death and found "no link" between his demise and plasma donation. However, patient advocates have called for a new inquest into his death, citing "significant medical discrepancies" between the autopsy report and the medical summary drafted by Health Canada. Health Canada reports from May 2025 revealed various deficiencies at Grifols clinics, including inadequate staff training, failures in standard operating procedures, poor record-keeping, and incomplete reporting by the company.

Prior to the announced pause, donations were available at Grifols' clinics twice a week, with donors paid up to C$100 (£55) per donation. Plasma, a vital component of blood, plays a crucial role in blood vessels by transporting red and white blood cells and platelets, and is used to create medications for conditions such as haemophilia, liver disease, and various cancers.

The donation process involves an apheresis machine that separates plasma, red blood cells, and platelets from whole blood, with the remaining blood being returned to the donor.

Grifols chose to pause collection "proactively and voluntarily" due to what the company deemed "unfounded attention." The company stated that the decision allows it to work with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services to address the concerns. Grifols has denied that the two deaths were connected to plasma donation. Health Canada recently reported finding "various deficiencies" at the Winnipeg Grifols location, prompting the clinic to work closely with the company to return to operations.