How much does giving blood (~500 mL/ 1 pint) lowers hematocrit ?

[StevenDarwinMD]

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[bigtbone]

I typically see a decrease of around 3% for one unit in my patients.

Lower, more frequent dosing helps.

Many, possibly a majority, also have sleep hypoxia which compounds the problem. Sleep apnea is not a disease of obesity like many believe. It’s a disease of obstruction and muscle is more obstructive than fat. There is a high prevalence in bodybuilders. A neck circumference of 17” increases risk. Snoring is a sign. If present, get an in-home sleep study. Treating sleep hypoxia has a huge impact on HCT

 

[SteveMobsterG]

Stevesmi us our blood expert

 

[ballin2504]

There’s no real formula.

 

[RoySimpson]

Would love to see a log!

 

[Tiger Salman Khan]

there is no fixed criteria.......

 

[MasonicBodybuilder]

The key is to donate blood as often as you can on cycle. It depends on where you live. Some is a 4 week wait, some is 6.