Question:
HELLO, I JUST GOT A GENERAL QUESTION, DOES ANYONE KNOW IF A HEMACRIT
BLOOD LEVEL OF 36 IN MEN IS REALLY LOW? I FIND IT REALLY STRANGE WHEN
I GAVE BLOOD THEY DEFERRED ME BECAUSE OF IT. ANEMIA? PROBABLY
DIET....CAN ANYBODY SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS? TKS..GIL..MISSION HILLS,
CA.

Answer:
A Hematocrit level determines the percentage of red blood cells in the
plasma. 36 is just under the normal range (which is 37-52). Blood
banks will not accept donors with any abnormalities whatsoever, even
when very minor like your husband's. I wouldn't worry about it at 36.
If it were a much lower number then you should be concerned about
trying to find the cause. In that case, if your husband was not
showing any outward signs of bleeding (occasional or active) such as
rectal bleeding in between or with bowel movements, black,tarry
stools, coughing up blood or things like that, then iron deficiency
anemia would be a cause to consider. Is he tired? (But then again, who
isn't! Ha!) Feeling weak? Lack of energy? Help him out by serving
foods rich in iron (and Potassium). If he isn't much of a fan of
healthy eating, then encourage him to start taking a good
multi-vitamin with iron. Remember not to take the vitamins on an empty
stomach or nausea can sometimes occur. I'm sure he'll be just fine!
:-)

Answer:
Hey gloera, how are you doing? A donor may help increase his or her
hematocrit levels by eating foods high in iron such as red meat, dark
green vegetables and raisins or by taking a multivitamin that contains
iron. Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low hematocrit
(iron) level. This restriction is for the safety of the donor and
ensures that after donation, the donor's hematocrit level will still
be within the normal range for a healthy adult. Since hematocrit
levels can fluctuate daily, a deferral for a low hematocrit level does
not mean a donor is anemic. Best wishes,