High Hematocrit Questions

[Lockout888]

My new labs from yesterday indicate high hematocrit = 52.3% (37.5-51).

Baseline was:
49.2 on 11/30/12
47.9 on 4/13/13
49.6 on 5/3/13
49.2 on 6/6/13

I searched and found the only way to lower it to give blood, but I saw a few posts that said they were turned away from giving blood due to the high hematocrit.

Anyone know how high is too high for giving blood?

Also, how many times should I give blood before my hematocrit should return to normal levels?

[KOArtist]

On a similar note, would it be all that hard to just do a DIY blood pull and dump?

[Lockout888]

I'm also reading that high hematocrit can be caused by simple dehydration, and that not drinking enough fluids before the blood draw can show increased levels. I took this blood test at 9am and was fasting - I had nothing to eat or drink for about 14 hours. I did have a small glass of water (6oz) right before the test.

Since my levels have been pretty stable, could this reading have been caused by not drinking enough water?

[austinite]

That's not terribly high. You certainly need to donate right away, however. Most will reject anything over 54%. If you're rejected (which I doubt you will be), you can always ask your doc for a prescription to have a therapeutic phlebotomy.

[Beethoven]

Just went through this. I was not able to "donate" due to having lived overseas during a period which there was a disease which I can't pronounce and was disqualified from donating. However my doc gave me a script for a therapeutic blood draw and they did so. My blood pressure lowered and I feel a lot better.

[bullshark99]

Lockout, just curious, how do you feel with the level high as compared to in the past. I went thru this 2 months ago, was never confirmed with BW but felt like abs shit, short of breadth, no energy ect... Went to donate and within 3 days felt better. On a side note, I did pass the cutoff fairly comfortably.

[Lockout888]

Lockout, just curious, how do you feel with the level high as compared to in the past. I went thru this 2 months ago, was never confirmed with BW but felt like abs shit, short of breadth, no energy ect... Went to donate and within 3 days felt better. On a side note, I did pass the cutoff fairly comfortably.

My hematocrit levels have been in the 49's - even before I started TRT. So I don't know if I know the difference. I plan on donating blood soon, so I will let you know.

[xcraider37]

My hematocrit levels have been in the 49's - even before I started TRT. So I don't know if I know the difference. I plan on donating blood soon, so I will let you know.

Yes make sure you are well hydrated for the test. I bet you are actually a little lower than what you tested, still good idea to donate.

[LT75]

The place I donate at never test levels before donation. All they test is blood pressure, pulse rate and iron. Been turned away once because I went after a workout and my pulse was 103 because of per workout drink. Now I only go on days off.

[Sledgehammer1]

The place I donate at never test levels before donation. All they test is blood pressure, pulse rate and iron. Been turned away once because I went after a workout and my pulse was 103 because of per workout drink. Now I only go on days off.

Same with me...I go to United Blood Services and all they check for is iron levels. They do a finger prick. Mine is always extremely high, which is fine. All the protein we consume. They are mainly concerned with low iron levels. They are fully aware that im on TRT and use test.
They told me last time that my blood was going to be used for babies. I was like REALLY? I don't know about that? They said I tested negative for this virus you can get from your mother at birth. That if they gave a baby blood that had it, it could kill them.

[strunes]

I was turned away at one blood bank for having traveled overseas, then I went to a different company and they took my blood no problem. I told them I was on test and they told me that as long as I have an RX it's not an issue. They call me every 56 days and I donate the same day. i guess some blood banks are more in need then others.

[Beethoven]

I was dq'd from donating because of having lived abroad during a breakout of creutzfeldt jacob disease during that time. Since there is no way to test for exposure I was dq'd and needed a script for a therapeutic blood dump. The funny thing is this is new being I have donated in past years.

[FONZY007]

The place I donate at never test levels before donation. All they test is blood pressure, pulse rate and iron. Been turned away once because I went after a workout and my pulse was 103 because of per workout drink. Now I only go on days off.

Same here

[APIs]

My Hematocrit typically runs at 49.0+ to 50.0+. I donate blood every chance I get. My Doc doesnt like to see it surpass 55.0. Just donate blood regularly & you'll be fine. The Red Cross only tests Iron Levels before drawing & I've never been turned away. Though they have said I'm always on the high side...

[LowT Mike]

55% is the cutoff for men on TRT. Symptoms would be "heavy", short of breath and/or elevated BP. If you have sleep apena hematocrit can also be increased.

[Bonaparte]

The place I donate at never test levels before donation. All they test is blood pressure, pulse rate and iron. Been turned away once because I went after a workout and my pulse was 103 because of per workout drink. Now I only go on days off.

An iron (hemoglobin) test gives a direct estimate of your hematocrit. Labs often just multiply hemoglobin by 3 for a hematocrit percentage.

Same with me...I go to United Blood Services and all they check for is iron levels. They do a finger prick. Mine is always extremely high, which is fine. All the protein we consume. They are mainly concerned with low iron levels. They are fully aware that im on TRT and use test.
They told me last time that my blood was going to be used for babies. I was like REALLY? I don't know about that? They said I tested negative for this virus you can get from your mother at birth. That if they gave a baby blood that had it, it could kill them.

Blood iron has nothing to do with a high protein intake. Hemoglobin is an iron containing protein in RBCs, and directly follows your RBC count and hematocrit. If your iron levels are high, so is your hematocrit.

[Beethoven]

Is there a test for iron or hemoglobin you can administer at home to guesstimate RBC and hematocrit?

[austinite]

Is there a test for iron or hemoglobin you can administer at home to guesstimate RBC and hematocrit?

Hemoglobin and hematocrit only. Not aware of anything "at home" to test iron or RBCs

[Bonaparte]

Hemoglobin and hematocrit only. Not aware of anything "at home" to test iron or RBCs

What do you think hemoglobin is?
These values can all be determined from a reading of any one of the three.

[Beethoven]

At the donation center they prick your finger and tell you your levels. I was just wondering if there was a way to do it at home.

[austinite]

What do you think hemoglobin is?
These values can all be determined from a reading of any one of the three.

Well no kidding...

[Lockout888]

Yes make sure you are well hydrated for the test. I bet you are actually a little lower than what you tested, still good idea to donate.

Gave blood on 7/10 and got new bloodwork on 7/23. This time I drank plenty of water the night before and morning of, and my levels are now at 46.4

[xcraider37]

Gave blood on 7/10 and got new bloodwork on 7/23. This time I drank plenty of water the night before and morning of, and my levels are now at 46.4

That's a good number need to get mine down a bit, I did notice hydration was a huge factor. I had a doc who used to lower my test dose if I got over 50, never was hydrated properly so I learned the hard way.