How can I get my Hematocrit up?--FAST!

[NurseFirst]

I am excited because I just found out that I can donate blood. For my whole life, I thought that I was prevented from doing so, because I had Hep A when I was 5 (the was an epidemic at the time...).

The blood bank tells me, though, that my hematocrit is 37%, and I have to have a 'crit of 38% in order to donate.

They gave me a list of things to eat which are high in iron...but I'm wondering...does anyone have any suggestions as to what is the BEST thing to eat, the FASTEST way to get my 'crit up? (Okay, going to Mt. Everest is NOT an option... :).

BTW -- in the "nursing issues" I have posted something about tattoos and health professionals, because you can't donate for 12 mos after having a tattoo. I invite folks to comment...

Thanks,

NurseFirst

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I believe organ donation is not permitted post Ca except for corneas. I think the red cross will take if it has been over 5 years. Probably ought to check your local organizations to make sure.

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

Vit C also enhances Iron absorption. (Esp when taken with the Iron supp.)

[gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP]

I bought a cheap brand once - noticed that they came out whole in stool (TMI I know but relevant to the discussion) Not surprising but those also didnt dissolve in water!

[MultipurposeRN]

It's still important to get your actual iron levels checked, since again some forms of hemolytic anemia traits mimic iron deficiency and the extra iron can damage organs. I only knew that because I have friend who also has thalassemia and thought for years she had iron deficiency, as did I. Sometimes it's so subtle that your counts can be normal or near normal. I ended up having almost panic iron levels when I was pregnant and actually had to avoid supplementation.

[sjrn85]

Some pills will come out whole in stool, but the actual medication is absorbed. They're referred to as "ghost tablets," and just the wax matrix and other binding agents used to make the pill.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

In regards to iron levels and blood donation, here is the address for an article that I've found that covers iron pretty comprehensively: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.asp

Also, another good source of information in regards to blood donation is http://www.aabb.org. This organization, the American Association of Blood Banks, sets the standards from which blood banks operate.

I hope this helps!

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Why do you have to get it up so fast(the crit that is, so get those minds out of the gutter:rolleyes: )!) So what I mean to say is there is no rush. Eat well and bring the crit up safely. You will be a pincushion in no time flat. Good for you, donating is a gift of life just like they say.