Double Red Cell Donation

[Lockout888]

Anyone with high hematocrit given blood via the Double Red Cell Donation method?

Was it better than standard donation?

[redhawk01]

Anyone with high hematocrit given blood via the Double Red Cell Donation method?

Was it better than standard donation?

I did. Level dropped from 52, to 46 or 48. Only drawback is it takes longer, and you have to wait 16 weeks to donate again.

[Bonaparte]

That's what I normally do. It is twice as effective as a normal donation, but you can only do it half as often.

[Lockout888]

Did the double red cell donation the other day. My last labs (10/18) had my Hematocrit at 52.4.

I have to say that I felt much better afterwards - even better than after a standard donation.

[bass]

you got to love placebo effect

[Lockout888]

you got to love placebo effect

Actually I think it was because they return your platelets and plasma back to you.

[bass]

either way, it works! glad you're feeling better.

[Rusty11]

That's what I normally do. It is twice as effective as a normal donation, but you can only do it half as often.

I thought about doing this, but figured you have to wait twice as long to donate. So, in the long run, it's all the same.

[Lockout888]

Update:

I was concerned that my Hematocrit would be higher after 15 weeks, but my latest labs (2/19/14) show it at 49.2%. Going to do the double red cell donation again soon.

[sirupate]

I'd happily do double reds, but the mobile units don't often have the capability and when the local Red Cross comes to my workplace, they only do whole blood donations. Someday I'll do it.