Private plasma donation clinic says it is pausing all collection in Canada

Grifols, a for-profit plasma donation clinic, has announced a temporary halt to collection services at all of its Canadian clinics due to "unfounded attention." The company voluntarily decided to pause collection and has informed Health Canada of the decision. This announcement coincides with Health Canada releasing the results of an investigation that identified several compliance concerns at Grifols' Canadian facilities.

The investigation found issues with the validation, calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of critical equipment, as well as records related to staff qualifications, training, and competency evaluations. Health Canada has issued six notices of non-compliance to Grifols' clinics in various Canadian provinces since 2022. An ongoing inspection is currently taking place at a clinic in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Advocates have been advocating for the end of paid plasma donations, citing the deaths of two individuals who donated plasma at the Winnipeg clinic. The autopsy report of one of the victims revealed that she had an enlarged heart, and the donation process put significant stress on it, ultimately resulting in her death. Grifols maintains that donor safety and the safety of the plasma collection process "has never been compromised."

Health Canada stated that the temporary closure will not affect the safety and security of Canada's blood supply and will continue to work collaboratively with Grifols to address the concerns before any plasma collection sites can be reopened. Grifols has committed to an "open, transparent, and collaborative dialogue" with Health Canada.