Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you.

The receipts showed that the younger Zhao had donated plasma 16 times in the eight months before his death, with the shortest interval between donations just 12 days. There was even one month in which he donated three times.

A medical report on January 5 further revealed that he was diagnosed with palpitations, severe anaemia and a blood disorder.

On the day he died, Zhao junior had told his friend on WeChat that he was not feeling well, saying: “I’ve been feeling too weak to do anything.”

“It’s because your body has reached its limit. Stop donating blood. You need to eat well and recover fully first before considering other things,” a friend told him.

While blood donation is a voluntary and charitable act involving the extraction of whole blood from the donor and is allowed only once every six months, giving plasma can be run as a commercial activity.

It is typically conducted at blood stations operated by private companies and involves collecting only the plasma.

The regulations issued by the National Health Commission in 2021 stipulate that the interval between plasma donations must be no less than 14 days, and the total donations cannot exceed 24 in a year.

Under these guidelines, Zhao Wei’s donations, especially with intervals as short as 12 days, were in clear violation.

WeChat conversation records revealed how Zhao junior was involved in the plasma donation process. Each time, an intermediary would arrange transport to pick him up and pay him 260 to 300 yuan (US$36 to US$42).

Zhao Wei once inquired whether he should donate on October 30 or wait until November 1, questioning if a third donation within one month was permissible. To this, the intermediary quickly answered: “30.”

Following Zhao’s death, his father demanded the plasma collection company be held accountable.

“They seduce these young people into frequently ‘selling blood’, which led to my son’s long-term, frequent blood donations,” he told Xinhuanghe, the new media platform of Jinan Daily Newspaper Group.

“This resulted in his blood regeneration dysfunction and ultimately his death. They must be held accountable,” he said.

“My son is gone, and nothing can bring him back. As a father, all I seek is justice for my son. I need this resolution because I cannot let this go.”

Despite the apparent rule violation, on March 18, Xinzhou Tiantan Biological Single Plasma Collection, responded that Zhao Wei met the requirements, and the company had strictly adhered to national regulations.

“Relevant authorities have been engaged. We are proceeding according to the directives of these authorities. Should any procedure be found improper, legal action can be pursued,” a member of staff said.

The Xinfu District Health Commission said the incident is under investigation.

The teenager’s death has ignited outrage online.

“This isn’t blood donation! It’s selling plasma at a plasma collection station,” one person said.

“Luring donors that leads to the death of young people is a serious matter; the plasma collection company must be strictly punished,” said another.

“Why so many donations at such a young age? Losing such a vibrant life is heartbreakingly tragic,” a third wrote.