Time to donate?

[jump100]

Doc wants me to donate blood before my next shot of Nebido. Before my first shot, I had a RBC count of 50.5% (Ref 43-53%). With my first shot already in my blood, I suspect my RBC count went up. I am in a high altitude location which increases your RBC by 15-30%, making TRT treatment more challenging. Question – is it time to donate with these numbers and how oftern should I do it? Doctor says I shold donate right before each shot (8-10 weeks).

[Times Roman]

Unless you have a specific reason not to, suggest listening to your doc

[2Sox]

I agree with TR above^^.

If your hematocrit or RBC count is in the lower range, I'd not donate. It's not rocket science. The Red Cross always tests for iron levels on site, so in this regard, that would prevent a poor candidate for donation right off.

[Bonaparte]

Though they are directly linked/related, the numbers you gave are your hematocrit (the volume of your blood occupied by red cells measured as a percentage).
The same RBC count will yield a different hematocrit based on the size of the cells.

Do what you doc suggests and try to keep that hematocrit under 53% (I'd normally suggest 50%, but you live at altitude and can use some extra).