Question about blood donation

[NEFLRick]

So, my hematocrit was high at my last blood test. I had read somewhere that, if you were out of the country in the last 6 months they wouldn't allow you to donate blood. I was in Costa Rica about 7 months (now) ago. So I scheduled myself to donate blood today. Showed up and did the questions. Well, since Costa Rica is a malaria area, I have to wait 12 months! But that's not my question.

I saw something which indicated they won't take blood from someone who's ever been on coumadin in their life. I had read you were ok after a short time. I was on coumadin over 20 years ago for blood clots. Anyone else heard anything like this?

It would be a problem as, for the last week, I've experienced symptoms of high hematocrit--mainly headaches (I rarely get headaches). Also, because I have already had blood clots in my leg more than once in my life, I'm concerned about the blood clot potential.

Any suggestions?

[Bonaparte]

Uhhh...we all lie on those forms. Otherwise, only guys on prescribed HRT could donate. Just be sure that your lies are innocuous.

[redhawk01]

So, my hematocrit was high at my last blood test. I had read somewhere that, if you were out of the country in the last 6 months they wouldn't allow you to donate blood. I was in Costa Rica about 7 months (now) ago. So I scheduled myself to donate blood today. Showed up and did the questions. Well, since Costa Rica is a malaria area, I have to wait 12 months! But that's not my question.

I saw something which indicated they won't take blood from someone who's ever been on coumadin in their life. I had read you were ok after a short time. I was on coumadin over 20 years ago for blood clots. Anyone else heard anything like this?

It would be a problem as, for the last week, I've experienced symptoms of high hematocrit--mainly headaches (I rarely get headaches). Also, because I have already had blood clots in my leg more than once in my life, I'm concerned about the blood clot potential.

Any suggestions?

I think you have to be off coumadin for a period of time. I just gave blood and that was one of the questions. Not sure how long. Buddy of mine was on it as well. Had to wait a few weeks to donate i think.
I donate in 3-4 weeks, so i'll look into that for future reference. I was also on blood thinners 5yrs ago after an accident i had, left me bed ridden for 5mos, but it was lovanox. I donate on a regular basis and it was never an issue.

[almostgone]

I was on Coumadin/warfarin sodium years ago (didn't do me any good, testing revealed I have a coumadin resistant gene) but I have given blood and platelets with no problems. If I recall correctly, as long as you aren't currently on an anticoagulant therapy you are G2G. Call your closest hospital/ blood bank and they will guide you.

[Brett N]

I lie, never injected anything, never been anywhere, never do anything and never had sex before. I am a muscular 40 year old virgin that is a shut in. Keep it consistent in the lying and you'll never throw a red flag up.

[NEFLRick]

Ok. I feel better about it now.

Thanks! Just gotta find another blood bank.

[diesel101]

Uhhh...we all lie on those forms. Otherwise, only guys on prescribed HRT could donate. Just be sure that your lies are innocuous.

No way I could never live with the guilt

[APIs]

At my last draw I had just come off Lovenox a month earlier from ankle surgery and I remember reading in their pamphlet you need to be off anticoagulants a week or two before donating (I think)...

[bullshark99]

My curiosity lies with what they are actually testing your blood for??? The obvious HIV, must get rather expensive all the testing and all the blood....

[38onTRT]

After your donation in the "bag" they fill 6 vials, I am assuming they test those for various things.. If you fail, you're flagged? Just lie and see what happens, when you go in for your 2nd donation and they don't question you, you are g2g..

[FRDave]

After your donation in the "bag" they fill 6 vials, I am assuming they test those for various things.. If you fail, you're flagged? Just lie and see what happens, when you go in for your 2nd donation and they don't question you, you are g2g..

With me they did a finger prick first and checked blood pressure. They then hooked me up and proceeded with the donation. They never took any vials though...


I went to my local hospital vs Red Cross, so there may be a difference in procedure.

[Beethoven]

My curiosity lies with what they are actually testing your blood for??? The obvious HIV, must get rather expensive all the testing and all the blood....

They will test for those. But there are other things that have no test. That's why they ask the questions. If you're in the high risk group you are flagged.

[Brett N]

Also check for iron levels but thats standard with all.

[almostgone]

So, my hematocrit was high at my last blood test. I had read somewhere that, if you were out of the country in the last 6 months they wouldn't allow you to donate blood. I was in Costa Rica about 7 months (now) ago. So I scheduled myself to donate blood today. Showed up and did the questions. Well, since Costa Rica is a malaria area, I have to wait 12 months! But that's not my question.

I saw something which indicated they won't take blood from someone who's ever been on coumadin in their life. I had read you were ok after a short time. I was on coumadin over 20 years ago for blood clots. Anyone else heard anything like this?

It would be a problem as, for the last week, I've experienced symptoms of high hematocrit--mainly headaches (I rarely get headaches). Also, because I have already had blood clots in my leg more than once in my life, I'm concerned about the blood clot potential.

Any suggestions?

OK, Rick. I just gave blood this morning when I got off of work. Explained my whole health history to the phlebotomist and my prior Coumadin and Arixtra treatments years ago. I was told that as long as you are no longer taking the anticoagulants and your hemoglobin was > or = 12.5gm/dL, you're G2G. They do ask about recent tattoos, piercings, etc.
I mentioned the fact that my hematocrit was a tad high before starting TRT last week and she said it wasn't a problem.
I gave @ the blood center @ my local hospital and knew the phlebotomist so I could kind of talk freely with her.
As far as the questions they ask you, refer to Bonaparte's post.
They did draw extra vials, but those are for screening purposes to avoid contaminating the blood supply with communicable diseases.
Also, while I was there I signed up to give blood prior to my next TRT blood work.

[almostgone]

...one quick thing I'll add. There was a young lady checking BP after the paperwork was completed but prior to donation. My BP was very high compared to my norm. I looked at the cuff and I was way outside the index lines on the cuff. She was using the regular cuff vs. the large cuff. She switched to the large cuff and I was back much closer toy normal BP.

[NEFLRick]

Thanks almostgone. I had read before I went that you're good as long as you've been off coumadin for a certain amount of time. Apparently, this place is different because it definitely said if you EVER were on it, you can't donate. I thought that was strange.

I have the same problems with BP cuffs. I'm a big guy and have always had big arms (years of lifting) and always have to tell them to get the XL cuff or the readings won't be right. The large cuff will usually just about come off when they pump it up.