Blood donations and diving?

[jmani]

So to make a long story short, my sister had an injury and needed a blood transfusion. I gave 2 pints in the last week. I have an altitude dive planned for this weekend. Are there any concerns about donating blood and diving, or donaions and diving at altitude?

I would like to know before I make the drive to Tahoe from San Francisco Friday.

Thanks,

John

 

[mrobinson]

Last week to this weekend... you should be good if you drank lots of fluid since then. I've asked the same question. I just make sure to donate on a Monday or Tuesday to give lots of extra factor.

 

[Walter]

How did you give 2 pints in 1 week?

 

[Diver0001]

How did you give 2 pints in 1 week?

One after the other, I would imagine.

 

[DandyDon]

How did you give 2 pints in 1 week?

I was wondering that, too. It may be legal in some countries, but I didn't think so in the US. One can do platelet or plasma donations more often, I think, but whole blood should be after 8 weeks - 4 weeks in extreme situations. Maybe it was not whole blood? Walter has more donating experience than me, tho; I've only given 18 gallons over the years.

If indeed there were 2 pints donated in one week, the oxygen carrying capacity could be reduced somewhat until the new cells are produced by the body. I'd really like to see this question answered by the poster, then a professional medical opinion.

 

[CameronMartz]

my sister had an injury and needed a blood transfusion.

My guess is that this is, at least, part of the answer...

Cameron