Canadian Blood Services adding plasma collection site to Lethbridge

Aug 9, 2019 | 11:57 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Only three Canadian cities are getting brand new “proof-of-concept” plasma collection facilities.

In addition to Lethbridge, they will be set up in Kelowna, B.C. and Sudbury, Ontario. These cities were chosen because they would allow for an optimal collection of voluntary, unpaid donations.

Plasma is the blood component used to make specialized medicines from the proteins in human plasma.

For example, the usage of Immune globulin (IG) has doubled internationally over the last decade. It is used to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders.

“Opening these stand-alone sites will allow us to increase plasma collection and halt the current downward trend in Canada’s source plasma sufficiency levels. By increasing the domestic plasma supply we can continue to be responsive to the needs of Canadian patients, today and into the future,” says Dr. Graham Sher, the CEO of Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

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CBS says there has been a decrease in plasma sufficiency, the percentage of IG products delivered to Canadian patients.

By using the proof of concept model, CBS will be able to further test and perfect a new collections model that is separate and distinct from the one current being used in other CBS facilities.

Lethbridge’s clinic is expected to open in the fall of 2020.

by David Opinko