A chain of private plasma donation clinics run by Spanish healthcare company Grifols has paused collections in Canada after two donors died and the government opened an investigation into potential unsafe practices.
Key facts
- Grifols has temporarily paused plasma collections at its Canadian clinics.
- Two donors have died, according to the Guardian.
- A government investigation into potential unsafe practices has been launched.
- Grifols runs 17 clinics in Canada and is the country's only private plasma donation operator.
- The company informed Health Canada of the pause on Wednesday.
A chain of private plasma donation clinics in Canada has said it is pausing collections following the deaths of two donors and the launch of a new government investigation into potential unsafe practices, according to the Guardian.
Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company, operates 17 clinics in Canada and is the country’s only private clinic for plasma donation. The company said it informed Health Canada of its decision to temporarily pause collections on Wednesday.
The government has launched an investigation into potential unsafe practices at the company, the Guardian reported. The pause in collections comes amid scrutiny following the two deaths.
As Canada’s sole private plasma donation operator, Grifols occupies a significant position in the country’s plasma supply. The temporary suspension affects all of its Canadian clinics.
The available details remain limited, and further information about the circumstances of the donor deaths and the scope of the government investigation had not been made public in the reporting.
Why it matters
Plasma donations support the production of vital medical treatments, so a pause at Canada's only private plasma operator could have wider implications for supply. The deaths of two donors and a government investigation raise serious questions about safety standards at the clinics.
Frequently asked questions
Which company paused plasma collections in Canada?
Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company that runs 17 clinics in Canada and is the country's only private clinic for plasma donation.
Why were the collections paused?
According to the Guardian, the pause follows the deaths of two donors and the launch of a new government investigation into potential unsafe practices.
When did Grifols inform authorities?
Grifols said it informed Health Canada of its decision to temporarily pause collections on Wednesday.