Recent data obtained by CBC News has uncovered that a number of individuals faced life-threatening situations, required hospitalization, or needed medical intervention following plasma donations in the last ten years.
These incidents follow the tragic deaths of three individuals in Manitoba. Two fatalities occurred at Grifols facilities in October 2025 and January 2026, with a third person passing away in June 2018 after donating at Prometic Plasma Resources, which is now under Grifols’ ownership.
According to the federal government’s blood regulations, an adverse reaction is classified as serious if it results in death, significant disability, or a life-threatening condition. Hospitalization, medical, or surgical intervention to prevent significant disability or incapacity are also considered serious adverse reactions.
Reported serious adverse reactions between January 1, 2016, and April 2, 2026, included heart attacks, blood clotting, destruction of red blood cells, and loss of consciousness among a total of 27 incidents. The data, obtained through an access to information request, detailed the reactions by date, seriousness, and type but withheld the names and locations of the donation centers.
Health Canada stated that out of the 27 serious reactions reported, 25 were linked to facilities currently managed by Grifols, a Spain-based company specializing in plasma medicines. The remaining two reactions were reported by Héma-Québec, a non-profit organization.
In response to inquiries, Grifols emphasized its commitment to donor safety, patient care, and regulatory compliance.
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Andrew Longhurst, a senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, expressed significant concern over more than 90% of serious adverse reactions being associated with centers operated by Grifols. He called for an independent review of Canada’s plasma system to address these alarming statistics.
Longhurst stressed the need for public access to data on adverse reactions from plasma donors, advocating for increased transparency in the sector.
The incidents involving deaths and serious adverse reactions were brought to light following CBC’s investigation, prompting calls for a thorough examination of the plasma donation system in Canada.
Longhurst highlighted the importance of learning from past tragedies, referencing the tainted blood crisis in the 1980s, and emphasized the necessity of addressing issues within the for-profit paid plasma model.
Documents revealed deficiencies at Grifols centers in Winnipeg following recent inspections, signaling the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance measures.
The push for transparency and accountability in reporting adverse reactions from plasma donations remains a focal point for researchers and advocates in the ongoing dialogue concerning donor safety and regulatory compliance.
